Why don't artists want to talk?

ArtLog is now online and anyone who has stayed at the Centre can become a member of it. This should make it possible to create an "Annaghmakerrig Community" online where artists can see what other artists have written, add comments and create their own entries. The facility is there at the moment to login and create entries but a technical hitch means it is not yet possible for artists to see the entries of other artists.

On a bad day, I am beginning to despair of the whole project! When I talk to artists and explain the idea, they are always very enthusiastic, energized and raring to go but that does not seem to translate into ArtLog entries. I know artists are unique and special but on the other hand everyone else in the entire world wants to tell their stories so why don't they? It may be that it interrupts the creative process ---yet my research would indicate that reflecting on the process actually makes the work better. It is extra work which ideally should be done at the time of making---but can be done in stages or even when the work is finished. Is it modesty, conservatism or laziness?

Whatever it is I think it is a pity. Many, many fine artists spend their whole lives working on their art and never get the recognition they deserve. ArtLog, at the very least, allows the artist to make a statement about what was important to them, their motivations, what they hoped to achieve. This record will stand for future generations to read and relate to.

Moreover, what about the young artist starting out who is unsure and tentative, in dire need of support and mentoring. What kind of comfort would the ArtLog entries provide to him/her? I have spoken to many artists who talk about how lonely art making is, the isolation, the worry, the feeling of inadequacy, the lack of achievement and how marvelous it would be to have fellow artists to talk to. Indeed, I have noticed this at the Centre the way artists talk to each other, exchange ideas and techniques and generally shoot the breeze! So why not carry on that interaction and do it virtually once they have left the Centre?

Maybe at the end of the day artists don't want to talk and that is all there is! Perhaps I should have chosen scientists!