I am well overdue for an update, so here it is:
First I should mention the One of a Kind show and how it was pretty much exactly what I expected it would be. I made some nice sales and met new customers, people seemed to dig my new work which felt really good especially after all of the uncertainty going in. Naturally, I gorged on delicious food from the food vendors (crostoli will always be my favourite). And I was so happy to see so many of my amazingly talented and lovely friends and of course meet some new ones!
The other side is that I got to deal with just as many rude people as I had predicted. I experienced people who scoffed at my prices and some who even told me to my face "oh I could make that". Thank god I have a sense of humour, and also thank god for the hilarious woman who told me all about her drug use in the 70s, people like that make the days go by quicker. And lucky me, these types of folk always manage to find me and tell me their stories!
Unfortunately the rudeness is rarely contained just to art shows. I had someone ask me today why I don't make "real jewellery". Again my sense of humour kicked in and I told her I much preferred my "imaginary jewellery". It still stings when people say ignorant things to me though. Before she spewed her rudeness at me and after an already frustrating morning I had some retail therapy and ordered from one of my favourite etsy shops Nervous System. I purchased a beautiful and long coveted 3D printed necklace/pendant that I am now even more excited to show off!
Oh and here are some pictures of my booth at OOAK for your viewing pleasure:
Most of all I want to give a big heartfelt thank you to the Ontario Arts Council for the exhibition assistance grant. There is absolutely no way I could have done the show without that help. Artist friends if you don't know about this amazing program, check it out.
Oh and some updates since my last post:
First and foremost, I love my office job. The company I work for is amazing, and I will be incredibly sad when my contract is up. So many people have been awesome and encouraging about this decision and I thank you! There have been a few exceptions that have given me this terrible look of pity when I tell them where I am working. To these people I say: I don't need your pity. So much stress has been lifted from my life and I'm the happiest I have been in a long time in a lot of ways.
One of the best things about having a bit of security is that I am able to pick commissions and shows that I really want to do. I just finished up a commission for a lovely lady in Ottawa a week or so ago and I truly enjoyed working on it. I feel like it's rare to have someone that knows what she wants but is easy going and also appreciates the value of something handmade (a great quality that I wish more people had).
Here is a little peek at my "froot loops" commission:
And now I am gearing up for summer shows, I really can't believe it is already that time again! I will be doing three this summer, here's the low down:
First:
Beaches Arts & Crafts Show
It will be my third time participating in the Beaches show. I'll be braving all the nonsense Toronto traffic, why don't you join me?
The details:
When: Saturday June 14th - Sunday June 15th
Where: Kew Gardens Park, 2075 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON
Times: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (both days)
Next on the docket is:
Guelph Art on the Street
This one has become one of my favourite shows to do, mostly because the people of Guelph are always a delight and always give me high fives. I could always use some more high fives if you want to visit this one.
The details:
When: Saturday July 12th
Where: Quebec Street, Guelph, ON
Times: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
and finally:
Haliburton Arts & Crafts Festival
And of course another favourite is the show up in Haliburton, this will be my fifth year at the show!
The details:
When: Friday July 25th - Sunday July 27th
Where: Head Lake Park, 23 York St, Haliburton, ON
Times: Friday noon - 6 pm, Saturday 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
So come visit me at one of the shows, I'm usually good for a hug or at the very least some high fives.