Monday, September 21, 2009

Busted

Craft Fairs are a lot of work. I really busted a move to prepare for this one, and I must admit I got a little caught up in the euphoria of working again and wondering what kind of reception my paintings might get. I didn't know what to expect, but I had high hopes. You just never know what you're gonna get! I know what the Rose City Rollers got, because I paid them $45.00 for my spot -along with nearly 100 other vendors -most of whom did not make that money back. 2 crafters beside me actually packed up and left early, one of them remarking that she had never walked out of a show before! There just wasn't any traffic. We were in an unmarked obscure location that people didn't know about or couldn't find. My friends were at a birthday party in the Oaks Park Roller Rink and wanted to check out my show afterward and asked about the Craft Bazaar, but no one knew what they were even talking about. There were no fliers posted and they had no idea that a huge event was scheduled to happen just across the parking lot!

This could have been a really fun and high energy happening if only there had been more communication and better promotion. Roller Derby is pretty sub culture, not a lot of people know about it. For this event to have been successful (for the vendors), I think they needed to reach out farther than their own inner circle on facebook -which seemed to be the main venue for their communication about it. I understand that this was their first Craft Bazaar and obviously it is a lot to pull together. I hope they get constructive feedback from other vendors and take it to heart. I'm happy to have contributed to the benefit, but I was under the impression that it might be a more reciprocal arrangement. It's too bad a bigger buzz wasn't generated and more people weren't exposed to what I have to offer.

I did meet a lot of other fantastically creative artists and it was very inspirational to see their work! But you know there's something a little out of whack when there are more vendors than attendees!

Live and Learn I guess!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Skates!



In the final countdown now. What's done is done and what isn't will never be. I had a bunch more ideas that I never even got to explore, but I can't say that I will continue with the roller derby theme after this show. Too many other things on my ever growing list!

I had a lot of fun with this project and I keep reminding myself that that is what it is all about! I used actual skate laces in these pieces and a friend even donated a pair of roller skates so I could make the track marks, (Thanks Jen K. -Nate is enjoying them!).

It will be interesting to see what people will think of what I have made. I often wonder how far removed I am from the reality of what people really like or think is cool. We'll see!

Staples and Lace


It's 1:30 am and I'm still awake. I know I shouldn't be, but I've been having too much fun with the staple gun! I've been trying to find innovative ways to use common materials and I hope I am coming up with unique ideas. I just hate it when I think I've got a new angle on something only to find out it's already been done! I'm learning a lot about what works and what doesn't. I'm also making a lot of noise! The work I am doing lately seems to involve more tools than paint. Starting with the scroll saw, followed by the palm sander, then some paint, then a few staples and nails and voila! I've been pulling late nights all week trying to prepare for the Big Bazaar on Saturday. I'm sure the boys aren't too happy about all the racket, but they haven't said anything (yet). 'El Hueso' (Mr. BoneWerx) has been very polite and supportive, but I know he's feeling like an art widower. I wish I could say it will let up when this show is over, but it won't! I will be showing my Calaveras at Fantasma -an Altar Shop on Alberta (& NE 23rd) throughout the entire month of October! It's good to be busy! I'm feeling the burn but I'm loving every minute of it, since this is what I signed up to do! Viva la BoneWerx!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Nailed

Today my son went back to school. We were both READY! We squeezed every last drop we could out of our summer and know that it is now time to get back to work. I have been inspired by the amazing places I have discovered this summer and am filled with juicy new memories. Milky Jade waters, mossy totems, rotting red cedar, black rocky beaches and the white washed bones of the forest are all stimulants buzzing for a way out of my head and into my art somehow. Unfortunately I am not living in the moment and can't act on them yet! I've got a 3 month backlog of work to do for several upcoming events, the first of which is in a mere 10 days! I've signed up to be a part of the Skating with Scissors Bazaar to benefit the Rose City Rollers. I am excited about this show even though I have no idea what to expect. I can totally relate to the Punk Rock nature of Roller Derby, it's Bad-Ass with a lot of style. It gets my blood pumping and brings me back to those bygone days of my twisted youth. My lack of studio time this summer did not keep me from scheming and sketching out a few ideas based on a 'Pretty in Punk' type of attitude. I am having fun playing with staples and nails and leather and lace. I hope I can maximize the time I suddenly have in front of me to expand on this theme. I have a lot of catching up to do!