I read and reread all of the posts on Linda Shields' blog "If Jewelry is SUCH a COMPETITIVE arena...Why Don't Art Fairs Subdivide the Catagory?" with great interest. It was quite thought provoking and encouraged me to do some soul searching and self-evaluating.
I began my life as a jewelry designer as a stringer and I'm proud of it! My art or craft, if you prefer, has evolved and grown over the last few years. I now include wire work - shaping, wrapping, hammering, crocheting, etc. I can make my own clasps, earwires, jump rings; but often choose not too. And I am looking forward to the time when I get out the torch and work with metal and/or glass.
I definitely related to Munks' musical references; Phil Collins "I don't care anymore" and The Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get what you want"
I don't care if metalsmiths look down at me. and I'm most likely not going to get into the BIG shows. So for now, I will "love the one I'm with".
Comments
Once again, we digress :) But what's life without a musical interlude now and then.
Munks, of course I understood what you were saying. It was loud and clear to me. I guess that's why I have a reputation for being a tough first grade teacher. I expect 6 & 7 year olds to analyze, infer and otherwise read between the lines even if they are reading The Cat in the Hat.
"Dear Doctor" from one of the Rolling Stones absolute best albums, "Beggars Banquet". This album was the last album with the original 5 founding members. Brian Jones quit the band after that and then drowned in his own swimming pool in 1969. "Jumping Jack Flash" was actually the first song recorded for the album but it was released as a single and never made it onto the album. The biggest song was "Street Fighting Man". But, my favorite Stones song of all time is on this album, "Sympathy For the Devil". Beggars Banquet was produced by Jimmy Miller who produced Spencer Davis and all the Traffic albums. This album has Nicky Hopkins and Dave Mason on it. Google them if you want to hear some great music. I can assure you that the drivel that gets released today is a shadow of the music from the late '60's.
Btw, this was the Rolling Stones first album after "Their Satanic Majesites Request," which was the Stones answer to The Beatles theme album "Sargent Peppers Hearts Club Band." Satanic... had John Lennon and Paul McCartney doing backup vocals on a couple of songs.
Jeanne, you said it so well! My work is evolving, too, but our pasts are always a part of our work today.
Thank you, Geri, for your response. I do have a great feeling of satisfaction when I complete a design or learn a new technique. And I continue to exhibit at shows because I enjoy sharing my passion with anyone who takes the time to look.
S. Michelle, that is exactly the point of my post, . That I will find the shows that are right for me. Although not necessarily the small non-juried church and school fairs I've done in the past. As a newbie, I've exhibited at fairs that allow buy/sell and the "kid" with the craft store components. I, too, have had to explain why my sterling silver hand shaped and wrapped bracelet is pricier than her base metal charms. I do understand where you're coming from. But, lucky for me, I have not noticed any rules that specifically state no beads or mass produced parts. I do check out previous participants and if there is nothing that resembles my work, I do not apply.
There are shows for all types of artists and craftsmen. Find the ones that are right for you.
Nice post Jeanne. One of the best things about buying something directly from the artist is that you see and feel their passion for their work. Regardless of what it is, they made it, not some worker trying to pump out as much production as possible with a bored look on his face.
Thank goodness there are all types of jewelry. As a person of many moods, I use different types of jewelry to express myself. Thank goodness there are all types of art festivals so I can find these wonderful pieces. And people that see my jewelry comment on all of it, not just the "better" pieces.