Last week when I was at one of my lowest points I got a gift in the mail. I was feeling alone and scared and at that very moment whatever forces in the world responsible for such things took charge and I held in my lap a beautiful book unlike anything you've likely seen. I held it near my heart.
In 2002 I began working remotely with two groups of artists online. These artists shared materials and techniques that were new to me and as we worked together I kept reflecting on my long time interest in the idea of community and connecting in new ways.
Over the course of the next four years we collaborated on a number of projects including many which were published.
But as good as these relationships were for me on a creative level, the time and energy spent interacting was taking its toll. As my energy level decreased I was led to delve further into what I'd been preaching in the physical world about creative marketing through new ways to build community and to connect.
My focus gradually shifted to learning more about ways to interact online and encouraging others to do the same. Some group members began to publish blogs. Some have authored books, taught classes, produced CDs, given seminars.
But many came together recently to create a different kind of book for me now during my cancer treatment. It epitomizes both the ties we have to creation, innovation and even adaptation, but most of all to caring.
This video both shows the art tag book they created and demonstrates my emotion and gratitude for their work and generosity.
