Is There Anybody Out There? The Art Of The Start
So, this is it. No fanfare. No artifice.
Enfin, just me.
It's taken a while to get here: a few false starts, some dead-end collabs, lots of dillydallying...doubt; yet even in this reduced format, I am pleased - and relieved - to finally present to you Son of the Antillean Soil, SOTAS.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to start – Angela Trinidad
For as long as this dream has existed, the goal has always been the same: (1) create a publication that artfully blends deep-rooted interests in fashion, art, language, culture and critique, with (2) the irreverent and rhythmic chimes of Jamaican-Caribbean discourse style.
But, somehow, I also managed to convince myself that the quote-unquote launch was a necessity; i.e. the social-media reveal, the black and white publicity photos, the invite-only meet and greet. Could any self-respecting blog - or blogger - begin any other way? This folly of an idea, I tweaked, redacted and stroked so many times that it became almost palpable, real. Essentially, I had begun to put 'cart before horse'.
I read a quote recently, however, by management expert and author, the Austrian Peter Drucker, which eventually pointed me toward reason. He writes, “Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes…[.]” I realised then, that more important than my vain desires to play ‘boy king’ - or the unattainable ‘perfect situation’ – I just needed to start!
sonoftheantilleansoil.com
One-part humanities website, one-part blog, SOTAS is an oasis of essays and imaginings.
As a website, it's unique weekly offering of features and analyses - spread across discrete yet interrelated disciplines, from fashion to art, literature and lifestyle - will be a promover of individuality and interrogation, unlike the din of sameness and incuriosity, which populate today’s web space.
As a blog, it's a multi-cultural journey into a more personal realm, one achieved through anecdotes, wordplay and images.
Finally, SOTAS is a calling card: homage to my Jamaican heritage and a portfolio of my still developing vocations as an editor, journalist, and linguist.
So, this is it. No fanfare. No artifice.
Well, maybe just a little bit….
Love,
Mario
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