I am still here—still alive—although I am tempted to add, barely. And , that could apply to both statements.
I regret having been completely absent from the blogging world for so long. Most of all, it isn't fun to admit that I managed to become totally overwhelmed by the preparations for this first new art show venture. Oh, I had not yet mentioned that there would be more than one, had I? Yes, long before I was ready for the first show I had opened my big mouth and booked another one for us. The first was this past weekend and no. 2 comes up this Saturday. But, we have a short break. Show number 3 doesn't come up until December 10 and 11.
Unfortunately for my health and peace of mind, I suffered a severe attack of Compulsive Creative Syndrome. I had to put up at least 90% new work. Oh, did I write that rule for myself? Hmmm. I suppose I did. Maybe for the December show I can let up on that mostly new pieces rule. You think? You're right. Probably not.
There were four of us participating in this first show, and we had a marvelous weekend with fine turnouts both days. The owner of the winery seemed quite happy with the event and was happy to book us for December. Then, we take a break until next year and see what sort of trouble we can get ourselves into during 2012.
Just as it has been for any of these small shows that I have ever participated in, a number of lovely people attended, and I met more people in two days than I had met in the previous six months. Remember, my theme song is "Don't Get Around Much Anymore."
I sold two of the larger new pieces and have a special order for a Christmas gift. Not a bad weekend at all, in my little world. Thanks to two different chairs that were dragged along and lots of Advil, I managed to walk out each evening all in one piece and even got a full night's sleep, last night. Hey, things are looking good. I will be in touch more in the next few weeks, now that we have one under our belts and I have some fun stories to share about doing a small art show in between a very small mountain town and a mostly-sleepy, mostly-retirement community.
Congratulations on your art shows! I am glad your absence is not caused by anything negative. Good luck with your next show. I look forward to hearing about it when you are home and rested.
ReplyDeleteRoberta - Thank you for your encouragement. I have times when I ask myself, "why?". But, mostly, I am delighted that my "business" partner and I have cooked all this up.
ReplyDeleteI had thought I would rest up for a few days; however, since I took a nasty fall on Tuesday, I am focused on recuperating in time for this Saturday's very small show. Thank goodness it is only one day.
Selling on Saturday was the frosting on the cake. Most of all, I enjoyed the kick out of taking charge and the joy of seeing a nice crowd turn out for an art show. The enthusiasm was contagious and fired me up to be more productive.
Congrats Anita. Sounds like you had a great showing, and that's terrific on the sales. That certainly helps with all the effort put into the preparation.
ReplyDeleteMark - The sales made for a lovely outcome. After all, the income will help finance the next round of madness, right? If I had to do this on a regular shedule, I might flip out. But, making our own arrangements made the experience a great adventure. Thank you for adding your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI'll add my congratulations to the list. It's a wonderful felling to have someone buy some of your work. I am also relieved that your absence was more "work related" than anything else. Good luck on the upcoming shows. How can I see what is in the shows? Is there an online gallery?
ReplyDeleteHaha, this was wonderful news, Anita. Congratulation to your show, I happy it went so well, with sold images and all. This 90 per cent new rule, that's plain insane. Good! It means you're more than alive.
ReplyDeleteWell! Well! Well! I am certainly happy that all that has kept you away is 'rampant creativity'. There are much worse things. :) Congratulations on the sales and the success of the show. Remember the little people! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice when you know people appreciate you efforts, talents and art enough to vote with their pocketbooks. Take care and grab some rest when you can.
ReplyDeleteI love to hear your stories of success! Congratulations! Good luck on the next one and make sure you get some rest in between.
ReplyDeleteKen - You are so right. Seeing someone's eyes light up when they look at something you have done is a very special experience. I get such a thrill of watching someone "fall" for a piece. Then, when they actually spend hard-earned money. Wow—Makes me feel quite privileged.
ReplyDeleteOve - Thanks for your agreement that my rule was "plain insane". Fortunately, I never claimed be 90% rational in all my decisions. I am glad you joined in. .
ReplyDeletePaul - "Rampant creativity"—I like that! And you have a point in that it keeps me out of trouble. You certainly got a laugh out of me with the "little people" crack. You would have to do some fancy searching to find anyone who is more aware of much I have to be humble about. I was looking through a couple of my galleries today and the humility welled up in me. Yikes. Downright embarrassing in too many instances. Thanks again for the turn of phrase and the chuckle.
ReplyDeleteEarl - Yes, it is a very special experience. I always feel grateful for it. No chance I will have enough of those moments to ever brush them off as "business as usual". Next week, I plan to do my vegetable act. Some plotting and scheming, a few long-delayed errands, and loads of rest.
ReplyDeleteMonte - I appreciate the wishes for a good show. Our venue for tomorrow is quite small—closer, maybe, to tiny. But, I look forward to meeting some more people and know I will enjoy the afternoon. Then, I guarantee—lots of rest next week.
ReplyDeleteKen - I am sorry I forgot to answer your "online gallery" question. Many of the pieces had been previewed here online, but never had been taken to "print ready" and never in a show. I will be posting the brand-spanking new one soon. I got close to print ready with at least three more new ones, but just could not make it to the framing stage. I will probably list which made it into the Triassic show one day next week.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your sales. I hope you post more about your experiences with doing art shows -- I'm very much interested in your take on them.
ReplyDeletePJ - Thank you for the comment. I will attempt to write some coherent notes on my experience; but, frankly, I don't expect those observations to be of any use to anyone else. What I am doing has met some of my needs, but, then my needs are not great.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the shows, and the sales. It's such a wonderful feeling when someone spends their hard-earned cash on your art!
ReplyDeleteJP - Thanks for that "congrats". I appreciate the thought. It certainly is a great feeling. Knowing what it feels like to consider before spending, I am always honored when someone decides that their emotional attachment to a piece of my work is enough to override budgetary concerns.
ReplyDeletewell done on the shows, the sales, and surviving the fires!
ReplyDeleteGordon - Great to hear from you and thanks for the kind words. I guess it has been pretty hectic around here. A great deal of my version of "running around" and some stress fractures on the emotional level.
ReplyDelete