Logging Out to Show Up: Why I’m Leaving Social Media (and What Comes Next)
After 20 years of posting, scrolling, heart-reacting, algorithm-dodging, and trying to remember which app wants a reel vs. a story vs. a carousel (??), I’m officially logging out of social media.
Not because I’m bitter. Not because I think the internet is evil. But because I’m alive, I’m still here, and I want to show up better.
In September 2023, I left my career as an art teacher. After years of supporting others in their growth, I'm leaning into my own. I'm a lifelong learner, and right now I'm more interested in human skills than hashtags. Things like gardening, slow mornings, conversations without character limits, and making things with my hands that have nothing to do with apps or analytics.
So I'm ending my time as a teacher and stepping more fully into life as an artist. I'm not disappearing—I'm just choosing to connect more intentionally.
If you know me, you know I like my colors bold, my animals slightly chaotic, and my jokes millennial-level ironic. That’s not changing. In fact, if you want to laugh through tears and celebrate the weird joy of being a human being who paints stuff, you're still in the right place.
Funny February will continue (year four, here we come). The pet portraits will stay loud and loving. And I’m working on new pieces that are messier, moodier, and more honest than ever.
Also: I’m hosting a small opening show on Final Friday in June, and yes, you’re invited. It'll be in real life. There will be snacks. Probably cookies. Definitely feelings.
What I’m Doing Now Instead of Posting Reels
Learning how to pressure can so future-me can flex with a pantry full of jars like a Depression-era queen 👑🥫
Growing my own food — like, actual food. From dirt. The kind you have to remember to water.
Building shelves, frames, and whatever else I need from free pallet wood like some kind of millennial raccoon-carpenter hybrid
Romanticizing scrubbing baseboards after falling down the Facebook “cleaning hacks” rabbit hole (IYKYK 🧼)
Finding out that quiet is underrated and dirt under your nails can feel like progress
Making art no one double-taps — just because it feels good
Remembering I don’t need to go viral to feel seen
Want to keep up with my work?
Sign up for my email list. Buy a print. Stop by a show. Or heck, send me an email like it's 2004 and we’re all on dial-up.
Thanks for following me this far. I’m still here. Just not in your feed.
— KP
Come back march 31, 2025
March 31 will be the first official blog post for this “new” life post-social media…
Scary? Sure… Important and necessary? Definitely.
Posts will include things like: Thoughts, new artworks, books being read, and life without social media.
I look forward to sharing with you soon!
Cheers!
KP