The Reason for Art Edwards Appears Large

One day while hiking in 2022, I came upon a sign that warned of a recent bear sighting in the area. The sign included a bullet-pointed list of tips on what to do if you come across a bear. One of the tips was to “appear large”—hold your arms over head, use your jacket to make it look like you’re bigger than you are, do whatever it takes to add to your visual presence. The week I saw this sign happened to be the week I started this Substack, so now I have a Substack called “Art Edwards Appears Large.”

The title was extemporaneous, and at first, so were the pieces. I started posting songs and writings on my latest solo project. I soon found myself publishing nonfiction pieces I loved but couldn’t find homes for elsewhere.

I eventually started writing pieces specifically for Substack. These tended to be on writing, publishing, or culture topics that I felt were relevant to contemporary times. While I still write and publish whatever I want, a certain framework has emerged for my Substack:

• I publish about one piece per month.

• I write on topics that cut against the prevailing trends in writing and publishing.

• I distrust technology as any kind of replacement for fundamental artistic and human achievement.

• I put physical books and songs at the center of my concerns.

• I promote my books and music.

Well into its fourth year, Art Edwards Appears Large has evolved into a necessary part of my writing and music life. I’m glad it’s here, and I’m glad you’re here to read it.

All of my Substack posts have been free to this point. I write them because I want to, and I want you to read them. I don’t see this approach changing anytime soon.

That said, if you’d like to support my efforts to bring my art and perspective to the world, I have recently activated a donations page that breaks down the various levels of support for my Substack. Feel free to contribute to my cause by clicking the Subscribe Now button below. Know that your money will go to the continuance of my journey in books and music, as well as to the continued dissemination of my independent voice on topics important to me.

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