Ears burning
I began what should have been an ordinary Monday with a curious sensation: My ears were burning. That’s what you used to say when you discovered that people were talking about you. The metaphorical otic trauma came in a form peculiar to this internet age: I found my e-mail inbox deluged with messages like ” so-and-so added you as a contact” and “such-and-such added you to her circle” and “whos-a-ma-bob is following your blog”.
It was revealed to me that I had been featured on the popular website This Is Colossal. Colossal indeed – the effect was immediate. On Sunday, 25 people visited this blog, a perfectly satisfactory number for a blog which is updated maybe once a year. Monday, over 1000 visitors.
Design blog Inhabitat and artist blog Artist a Day have also picked up the coverage, the latter with a brief bio by permission. I must thank everybody involved for this attention, particularly Artist a Day, whose express purpose is to highlight the work of often under-exposed artists, and connect people who love art with people who create it.
A side effect of all this attention: This blog has followers now, which means I’m going to have to start blogging in earnest. There are a lot of things to talk about.
origamijoel 
i found your blog via Hello Hydraengia blog. She has a terrific blog and shows us cool blogs she has come across.
LikeLike
Joel:
Love your work. I found you on Inhabitant. The first work I saw reminded me of Louis Sullivan’s fantastic geometrical organic inspired work. I’m guessing you have seen it but if not, I think you will love it.
Cheers,
Ralph, an architect and admirer from St. Louis
LikeLike
I was wondering — I kept getting all these Joel blurbs on my RSS feed and all from different places, all saying the same thing. About time the trend-setters discovered you. Rock on.
LikeLike
Hey Joel,
Glad to see more and more people are enjoying looking at your creations. I’ll never forget when you brought some of them to Bazaar, Kansas a few years ago.
So cool. Wish you all the best.
LikeLike
Ralph – In fact, Louis Sullivan is one of my favorite architects, and a great inspiration for my work, but I think you’re the first person to make a connection, though. I love the way he balances the weight of complex texture and pattern. I’m also a fan of Gaudi, and I think his influence can be seen particularly in this piece as well.
Philip – It seems like I get to be an overnight sensation every five years or so. Just when I was getting comfortable with relative obscurity.
Tyler – Great to hear from you. I remember that impromptu exhibition. I’m glad to know the folks in Chase County are following my exploits.
LikeLike
your work is beautiful. odd that these journals didn’t let you know you were being featured, but glad I got to see your work.
LikeLike