This newsletter is really a journal

An introduction for new subscribers, Gen X on my mind

In my element. Photo by Rose Thorn Photography.

A reintroduction, and learning as I go

It’s been three months since I started this Substack newsletter. After open studios at NW Marine Artworks this past weekend, it seems timely to reintroduce this publication for new subscribers as I continue to define what I want the space to be. Clicking to publish my first post back in September, I heeded my husband’s wise words, “Done is better than perfect.”

You can read a little bit about me on the About page, and also on my website, where you can also see my work and projects in greater detail.

1. Why this, and why now?

In a nutshell: I like this format for sharing more directly with my friends and supporters, relying on social media less, and offering my subscribers more choice in when and how they engage with my work.

I recently listened to some Gen Xers on a podcast discussing our generation’s aversion to self promotion. As a baby Gen X, I never fully identified as such, but that sentiment tracks. This NY Times article Hate Gen X? Get in Line (Behind a Gen X-er) provides some additional perspective on how “Gen X already hates ourselves.” Not wrong… but I think it’s more nuanced.

I hesitate to market my work because it can feel cheesy and fake, yet it’s the best way to connect with thoughtful people. The independent punk in me is less concerned about reaching the most people; I want to reach the ones I care about. And to my amazement, this newsletter seems to be bringing in my people.

I am somewhat averse to social media. That same teen in me that would rant about major record labels is not thrilled that questionable tech companies use and profit from my personal data, surveil me, push products designed to rob me of my attention and focus, showing content randomly according to an algorithm I’ll never understand. Yet we all want to be part of the conversation. I’d rather take charge of who I communicate with and offer recipients the option of opening my emails or not.

I want to share what I’m up to and facilitate connecting more in real life. I believe in what I do, and can’t seem to quit it. It’s pretty much my greatest joy and privilege to make the work I do and get the chance to put it into the world. On that note…

I currently have works in two exhibitions in the Bay Area:

Holographic Sky at the San Francisco Arts Education Project in the Minnesota Street Project runs December 2, 2023 - January 27, 2023.

Encode/Store/Retrieve at the San José Museum of Art features works from the SJMA’s permanent collection and opens with a reception this Friday, December 8th from 6 - 9pm. The exhibition runs December 8, 2023 - April 21, 2024.

I will be there at the SJMA Friday reception, come say hi.

The Sea Within, 2014. Graphite, ink, and collage on paper, 72 x 72 in. Permanent Collection of SJMA.

2. Building and sustaining community here

Going to grad school in San Francisco and living there for almost fifteen years, I was fortunate to become part of a wonderful artist community. Even though San Francisco became unsustainable, I will always feel grateful and connected. Now I am excited to be cultivating community in Portland over the last few years. I really love the people I’ve been lucky to meet and the generous and independent spirit here. Our open studio was such a celebratory embodiment of our creative community that made me proud.

I hope to build new friendships, to learn from my peers, and to use this space to encourage deeper conversations.

3. What is this, and how often?

My original plan was two posts per month, giving myself grace to write more or less depending on my whims and what I have to share. Writing for myself just as much as for a potential reader, about what I am making, how I craft my work, where it comes from conceptually, what kinds of art, music, literature, and experiences influence and inspire me.

This newsletter is free, but there are paid options to support me if you feel called to. Back to self-hating Gen X, enabling that option felt kind of gross, but to my surprise, some collectors and supporters generously made contributions, for which I am so thankful and touched. I’ve learned that those who have the means and inclination want to show support, and I cannot thank them enough. However, my intention is to use this as a free newsletter. I will create special bonus content in the near future for those folks to thank them, but please know that I value your readership above all and ask for no more.

(If you are curious, you can view subscription options by clicking the button below.)

Pink Moon #1, 2022. Acrylic, ink, collage, colored pencil, and cut out paper, 15 x 15 in.

4. See you soon

Thank you again to my new subscribers, everyone who came out last weekend, and those of you who continue showing up for me. Stay tuned, and I hope you’ll keep reading.

In gratitude,

Val

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⋰ Website

⋰ Email : val@valbritton.com (or respond to this email)

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