 Today I reached the '5000 Subscriber' mile stone on my YouTube channel 'Capricornartist73'. I have to say 'What a F***king journey' it has been getting there. I remember back MANY MOONS ago, reaching the first 100 subscribers and thinking OMG how bloody bizarre that people want to listen to what I have to say. I mean no one has ever really taken any notice or listened to me before, he he he. I was the kid/guy who kept my thoughts and opinions to myself, but that all changed almost 6 years ago when I relocated to Nowhere, i mean Norway. That's the title of my autobiography, by the way, 'Destination to Nowhere'. Documenting one's journey is definitely an interesting experience, especially looking back after many years of filming. It is only now that I can look back on some of my early videos and go 'WOW! Who was that STUD?' NooooCH, I mean 'nervous guy who took an hour to process his thoughts into something half understandable to people'. And to prove to you how nervous I really was at one stage, here is an early CA73 video. So if i can do it...so can u! (Maybe not in jocks though he he.)  Sharing your journey with so many strangers is both thrilling and scary because you're opening yourself up to ridicule, judgement and criticism from people, who will either love you and/or hate you. I am pretty happy to say that over the years I haven't attracted too many haters to my channel. I think I have had around 5 really nasty, uneducated, personal attacks, and on YouTube that is pretty good I have to say! I think as human beings we all want to feel like we have contributed something to the world, we all want to give something of ourselves unconditionally that will be remembered 'hopefully' for a generation to come. I would like to think that CA73 has given many people hope that they can make a difference. That being 'STUCK' in the middle of Nowhere with life commitments doesn't mean you can't follow your dreams or passions, and that you CAN have an impact on people's lives through the sharing of that passion. You know I look back at all the 100's of personal emails I have received over the years from people who had lost their passion, their hope, their inspiration, and how my act of sharing has changed their lives and attitude. That is a pretty powerful thing to reflect on and I find myself welling up with tears thinking about. That a little country boy from Innisfail has changed the lives of so many by simply 'sharing' the passion!  'A personal joy' One of the greatest joys for me through this whole process is seeing all the friendships which have been formed over the years as a result of people connecting through CA73 and my art social network 'Loving Mixed Media'. It is such a great feeling to know that I have played a very, and I mean very, small part in bringing so many artists together to create friendships which will last a life time.  The evolution of CA73 There is nothing that has stopped me from pushing my own boundaries in terms of the art I create. Different styles, techniques, mediums you name it, CA73 is there pushing it all the way. I am the mixed media KING, and I'll take that crown! he he he We are all destined to be great, we all have it in us, but unfortunately some of us don't realize or believe it. In order to find that greatness we need to explore ourselves on all levels, we need to try new things, new ideas, and new approaches. 'Everyday is a brand new day' and I wake up thinking that, even if I don't always believe it! I've created many YouTube channels over the years, all for different reasons and ideas. But you see being a 'live in the moment' type of artist that I am, that is how I function, that is what keeps me fresh and alive with ideas. I follow my instincts above anything else, above rationality and reason, because the moment I don't listen to those instincts, that is the moment I lose. I have been criticized for starting things and then losing interest, but that is my nature! I run with my feelings and convictions passionately and when I lose that, it is time to move on. And people have to accept that about me and if they don't get it and appreciate it for what it is, then they need to move on. That ability to constantly chop and change in an instant has kept me fresh. I have pushed myself in all sorts of directions whether it is dancing in Lycra with crazy wigs, to singing naked in the shower, to teaching workshops, to burning 90 artworks, to making parody videos about other artists, to creating all sorts of art. All of this has been an evolution, not only for me, but for many other people too, and I think it has all been worth it! I have No regrets!  So what is the future for CA73? I don't know. I try not to think about it, I'm taking one day at a time, reacting and following the creative passion as it happens. I will continue to document my journey on YouTube and hopefully that will mean something to someone, and if not! That's life! So I want to end by saying Thank YOU, thank you for your support and friendship, and I hope you all continue to "Take your passion and make it happen!"
11 Comments
Mary
6/30/2011 10:14:05 pm
Have you ever seen someone on one of those television talent shows who completely took you by surprise? You know how you think "that person is a star?" That is what I saw, and still see in your "up close and personal" video. You have charisma and talent that pulls people in and we can't help but love you. Congratulations on the milestone.
Tammy
6/30/2011 10:36:00 pm
Gary you are such an awesome person! The first comment I ever sent you was this: A person cannot help falling totally in love with you, as a human being I mean (nothing weird) - and I still feel that way...you are such a giver and have inpsired so many people to move forward with their passion. What a beautiful gift you continue to give us all. Thank you and congrats!
Mary Helena
6/30/2011 10:41:59 pm
"All artists are vain, they long to be recognized and to leave something to posterity. They want to be loved, and at the same time they want to be free. But nobody is free." (Francis Bacon) Hello Gary congratulations on reaching 5k wow that's awesome. Are you a YouTube partners? Its wild watching your first video. I had never seen that before. I watch/listen to a lot of your videos while painting myself. I am so glad found you. You have inspired me and made such a huge impact on my life. Congratulations and here's to another 5k. Mush xoxo
Lisa Patencio
6/30/2011 11:23:00 pm
I found my first abstract painting I made after watching one of your first videos. I've grown as an artist and film maker all due to you. 5000!!!! Wowsy wow wow. Thank you Gary for being such a giant online and for being my friend thru thick and thin!
Becky Jenner
6/30/2011 11:35:18 pm
Congrats Gary! I wasn't even real familiar with youtube when I found you surfing the internet for "painting techniques".The first one that came up was the series (?) where you were teaching a drawing/painting of Koi fish! I was "hooked" right then and there and signed up for youtube and you were my very first subscription! Following you was also how I learned about "Art from the heart",now known as "Lovin Mixed Media" and signed up immediately! Being on this journey with you has been a friendly, heart warming,totally funny,some day's serious,and defiantly... a very learning trek with you as well as the entire LLM family! Even though we have never met,I feel as though I have known you for years through your Youtube videos and other channels. And as Mary stated...You have charisma and talent that pulls people in and we can't help but love you! She is so right with that! Congrats again and may you reach an even higher milestone with your "followers"!! 7/1/2011 12:11:00 am
Gary, Congrats!!! it's so much fun and so inspiring to see your art videos. My daughter thinks you are awesome too, and your cats as well. XoD After reading this, and another post you did about "being" an online artist; I've come to truly believe you have come into my life at this particular time for a significant reason... little have you known till now, but I feel like you are speaking the words I NEED to hear at this time in my artistic life. Thank you so very much for sharing and being brave enough to share a piece of you with all of us.
Margo Garrison
7/9/2011 01:33:53 am
Wow, what a wonderful blog! Congratulations on 5000 subs! I would say that's "unbelievable" but it is totally believable because you are so passionate and you genuinely want others to be and to succeed; with you it's not about tooting your own horn. Well, now and then, of course everyone wants to do that when they're excited about the milestones of their life. But your drive is all about the work, and you make the work so FUN!! You're just awesome. I was thinking the other day what my life would be like now without CA73 and LMM, and in a word it would.....SUCK. No, I mean getting used to not having it would be terrible. Just want to thank you for putting the inspiration back into my art life. You're the best. <3 Leave a Reply. |