A Journal of Research-Creation
Clearing My Mind, Sharing My Work
Returning to Substack
Returning to Substack wasn’t part of my original plan. I had envisioned setting up a dedicated blog—which is almost ready, but that’s a story for another day. I aim to maintain a regular journal to document my research-creation activities. This journal serves two essential purposes:
Clearing My Mind – Juggling numerous projects has been overwhelming. Organizing my thoughts is essential for staying focused and productive.
Sharing More – I’ve felt the need to share my work more openly for far too long. It’s time to stop hesitating and start acting!
So here I am, trying out Substack again to see where this journey leads. I gave it a shot back in the summer of 2023, but I didn’t manage to stick with it—if you’re curious, you’ll likely find my first and only newsletter in the archives.
Before diving deeper, I want to mention that I am French and not entirely accustomed to writing in English. I’ve worked hard to make this newsletter clear and accurate, but some phrasing might still be awkward. Your feedback is invaluable—it will help me improve as I go. Thank you for your understanding and support!
Back on Social Media
After a long break from social media, I’ve gradually returned to sharing my research-creation activities. This newsletter is part of that process. There wasn’t a single moment or event that inspired this return—just a slow shift, likely fueled by frustration with stagnation in my work. Over the weeks, the habit of sharing quietly resurfaced, and so far, it has been rewarding.
Rebuilding this habit wasn’t without its challenges. I distanced myself from social media for several reasons:
Time Management – The relentless demand for attention became unsustainable.
Over-Ambition – I set an unrealistic posting schedule last year that quickly fell apart.
Burnout – Taking on too much drained me, mainly as other projects competed for my energy.
In hindsight, my approach was misaligned with my expectations. I hadn’t clearly defined my goals for using these platforms, which left me feeling unfulfilled. The result? I grew distant.
Now, I’m driven by a deep urge to reconnect. Keeping my work locked away on my computer isolates me, slows my progress, and traps me in a frustrating cycle: the less I share, the harder it becomes to share. I’ve hit a wall, and perfectionism is partly to blame. This tendency to delay until something feels “ready” has held me back for too long.
But I’m determined to break free. Sharing my work isn’t just about showcasing—it’s about fostering connection and reflection. I can breathe new life into my projects by inviting feedback and starting meaningful discussions.
This time, I’m embracing spontaneity and authenticity. I’m no longer waiting for perfection. The time to act is now.
This Week’s Focus: Archives, Reflections, Resources, and Instants
This week, I’ve focused on sharing my work across social platforms with four themes in mind:
Archives – I’m revisiting nearly eight years of material, sharing images and insights from past projects. It’s an opportunity to showcase both the creative process and the final outcomes.
Reflections – Beyond visuals, I’m writing short threads to share personal insights into my work. These reflections often expand into the longer pieces you’ll find here on Substack.
Resources – I’m spotlighting the artists, authors, and thinkers who inspire my practice, hoping they might inspire you too.
Snapshots – Capturing real-time glimpses of my creative process remains the most challenging. With a busy schedule, spontaneity often feels like a luxury.
These themes provide structure but aren’t rigid. My goal is to adapt to what feels most natural and sustainable. After an intense week of sharing—perhaps too much—I’m reflecting on how to maintain a pace that’s both rewarding and manageable.
Looking Ahead
There’s still so much to unpack about my return to social media:
How I’m tailoring my approach for each platform.
The platforms I’ve re-engaged with and those I’ve left behind.
Lessons I’m learning along the way.
I’ll save those reflections for another time. Right now, my focus is on finding a rhythm that balances sharing, creating, and reflecting.
Thank You for Reading
Thank you for making it to the end! There’s so much more I want to share, but one newsletter isn’t enough to cover everything. I’m still figuring out the rhythm for these posts—it will depend on how I balance my many projects.
In the meantime, thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more with you soon!
– Rémi