I create art quilts that look very much like paintings...I spend alot of my time in my booth say..."no really ...it's fabric". I applied to many shows (20+) all over the map using the throw it against the wall and see what sticks method. In my mind the shows were divided into 5 tiers with the number 1 being the local church art show and number 5 the best in the country. In truth I wanted to believe I belonged at the number 5 level. The jurys didn't agree (waitlisted for 1). I did make several level 4 and lots of level 3. I have done 4 shows so far and scheduled for 5 more in the fall, still trying to decide if I should do shows around christmastime.
I am not sure 2 d stuff sells well when people are shopping for gifts and not for their own wall space. Of the 4 shows I've done I've won prize money at 2- nice , cause I didn't sell much at those 2 shows. I had one really good show (cherokee triangle) people seemed very receptive to fiber art there. Anyway I have more questions than answers. I've not felt comfortable posting real reviews because I don't feel like I have an accurate read on these shows. My stuff may not be selling but your cutting boards, jewlery, and photos were flying out of the booths near me. Right now I am trying to decide if I need to develop a series that is smaller and cheaper for the people who want to spend less than 50 dollars .
Framing keeps coming up as an issue as well. Customers seem to respond to fabric art feeling more valid when it's framed. Right now I have black, brown, driftwood, and unframed options based on what looks best with the piece...however it makes the booth look fairly cluttered. I also have pieces that are every subject , people, animals, fruit, landscapes...If it sounds like chaos, well it feels like that. I've haven't narowed my subject matter because I can't imagine only making art using one subject- just a personal preference.
You can see my crazy work in progress website- http://www.sharontesser.com/ yet another thing on my to do list. I am here often, reading the wisdom of others and believe that someday I will have experience to benefit another artist. Right now I am just trying to clear some cobwebs between my ears. All comments and advice welcome.
