Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Between Shows

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.

21 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. Roberta - 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.

    I 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.

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  3. 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.

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  4. Mark - 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.

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  5. I'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?

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  6. Haha, 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.

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  7. Well! 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! :)

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  8. It'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.

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  9. I love to hear your stories of success! Congratulations! Good luck on the next one and make sure you get some rest in between.

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  10. Ken - 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.

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  11. Ove - 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. .

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  12. Paul - "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.

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  13. Earl - 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.

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  14. Monte - 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.

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  15. Ken - 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.

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  16. Congrats 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.

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  17. PJ - 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.

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  18. Congrats on the shows, and the sales. It's such a wonderful feeling when someone spends their hard-earned cash on your art!

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  19. JP - 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.

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  20. well done on the shows, the sales, and surviving the fires!

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  21. Gordon - 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.

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Anita