Hi, Connie asked me to stop by and introduce myself to the group, so - I am an internationally exhibited mixed media artist who works with books, both magical and mundane. I primarily make two kinds of work, large conceptual gallery installations and smaller altered or practical book works. The sales of small works support my obsessive love of installation work which is pretty hard to sell! I am English but I live and work in upstate NY. I teach at a college, drawing, 2d design, 3d d esign and visual survey classes. I am married to a patient and supportive wonderful man (25 years and counting!) and we have 3 creative kids, one is a fashion designer, one is writing his first novel and the baby of the family is a recently signed actress/model. I also work as a creative mentor with local artists through a program called SAVI to help them develop their business skills so they can make their art pay. I do a few local shows each year but as my kids are now leaving home and I have less to juggle I am thinking about branching out to do more shows. A good friend of mine introduced me to this site as a one stop shop for my next move. I look forward to getting to know everyone here! Questions?
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Hello Deb and welcome. Wow! What a busy lady you are. Sounds like you have a very interesting and full life. I don't know how you can fit Art Shows into the mix, but good for you. It is a lot of work but you seem like you have lots of energy as well as know how. I am sure you have much information to share with our group, too. Looking forward to seeing you here in the Forums.
thanks Jacki, actually I am not that busy! I teach two days a week, so that gives me 5 for everything else, well sort of, lessons don't write or grade themselves! Plus I mostly have the summer off, although I do a lot of workshops and stuff so again only sort of. Don't know what I will have to share, but looking forward to finding out!
Nice Bio!! Welcome!! I am a relative newbie to this way of life..located in Maine, doing handcrafted bead and wire work jewelry. established the biz in 2005, shows in 2007, and operating my home studio full time last year. Hope to hear you weigh in on our forums- we discuss quite a bit, and often!! Sometimes very spiritedly!! We have a great, eclectic, fun, and sometimes hilariously sarcastic group of people. Glad you found us... look forward to hearing from you! Enjoy!!
I am just reading some of the blogs.... my first outdoor show this year is next month, and it is usually my second largest show, attendance wise and, sales wise. What I am reading from the blogs is making me hope that the weather will be more cooperative, and that, after the long yucky winter People will be happy to get out, visit the booths and purchase!!
I like dealing with the people AT THE FAIRS....but I also deal with the public at my day job, which is a whole other story! So I do understand what you are saying! I love MY business- all aspects of it, but the day job I could definitely do without! Unfortunately, the car needs it's daily fix of gas & oil, the dog needs her food and vet, and I need to pay my co-pays for med, dental, and new glasses, so I guess I'll hang on to the day job, for now. Because I am in the start-up phase, all the $$ I make from the biz gets re-invested into the biz right now. And, unfortunately, our economic climate is NOT helping!! Got a new client today- custom orders...
I love custom orders, and a potential Bridal Party consult....those are fun! So things are improving, and we are all persevering!! Now for some sunshine......LOL! Have a great day!
Replies
Hello Deb and welcome. Wow! What a busy lady you are. Sounds like you have a very interesting and full life. I don't know how you can fit Art Shows into the mix, but good for you. It is a lot of work but you seem like you have lots of energy as well as know how. I am sure you have much information to share with our group, too. Looking forward to seeing you here in the Forums.
Jacki B
ahh.. the stories!!
I am just reading some of the blogs.... my first outdoor show this year is next month, and it is usually my second largest show, attendance wise and, sales wise. What I am reading from the blogs is making me hope that the weather will be more cooperative, and that, after the long yucky winter People will be happy to get out, visit the booths and purchase!!
I like dealing with the people AT THE FAIRS....but I also deal with the public at my day job, which is a whole other story! So I do understand what you are saying! I love MY business- all aspects of it, but the day job I could definitely do without! Unfortunately, the car needs it's daily fix of gas & oil, the dog needs her food and vet, and I need to pay my co-pays for med, dental, and new glasses, so I guess I'll hang on to the day job, for now. Because I am in the start-up phase, all the $$ I make from the biz gets re-invested into the biz right now. And, unfortunately, our economic climate is NOT helping!! Got a new client today- custom orders...
I love custom orders, and a potential Bridal Party consult....those are fun! So things are improving, and we are all persevering!! Now for some sunshine......LOL! Have a great day!