From the workbench of the esteemed Horati0nosebl0wer

I went from food to stuff in general. I have enough stuff. The collection urge has gone from not having anything to not having enough. Once enough was attained it became too much to manage. Curating that stuff needed to occur for volume and  interest. The moderating factor of painter experience level plays a role in what gets collected as well. The effort level demands increased time and proportionally decreases the amount of output. What I can achieve at a level that makes me happy only goes as fast as I do.

I zeroed in on my minis and value metal minis for the sake of tradition in art, nostalgia in that tradition and the security of weight in hand while holding a figure. I value the skill and talent of those with hands and minds trained to make physical miniatures. I see the value and merit of digital format miniatures for the sake of access to quality designs. I see the bespoke nature of boutique figures/busts to be worth the cost as unique and limited pieces. The limited pieces are really justified as fully painted objects beyond mere possession.

If you can’t spend the time to learn the tools to digitally kitbash you have general figures. If you develop as a digital artist do you have time to be a great painter? As we see time and time again, “crap” models can be salvaged by a good paintjob and decent models can end up as absolute ass.

It may seem like my present army painting is the epitome of all that is contrary to my idea. I feel as though it is a culmination of curation at scale to unique and creative themes. With better experience I hope to paint more at a better level than I do now in faster time.

From all this I will reduce my Pile of Shame with fostering the interest in mini painting as Paint and Takes. Little by little I will show people what it is to enjoy the artisanal versus slop. It starts somewhere with single figures that makes us feel connected to unique pieces. The problem of feeling inadequate in skill is where we stumble. Our hands stop on account of our heads. I hope to show others that good work can be achieved and promote good hobby in my community. I hope this inspires some local efforts out there too.