Autumn arrives in early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day. - Elizabeth Bowen
I know it's not really spring. I know we are in for more cold days, but it been so very spring-like lately that it's impossible not to feel like spring is near. About a week ago, I even noticed the first daffodils peeking out.
Of course, the weather in Greenville is entirely unpredictable. It may be 70 one day and snowing the next. Still, I can't help but gravitate toward the greenest sheets of glass...the yellows and the aqua blues. My glass work tends take on colors of the approaching season.
Today was a rainy warm leap day.
Blooming right outside the office.
A sunflower from last night's batch.
To Create small books reflecting a sense of place that share one's experiences of Greenville County.
http://minibookcollective.org/Home_Page.php
2 Main Rules
1. The book must be made from one A3 or A4 (ISO) sheet or card in equivalent US sizing and can be folded into the format you want.
2. Cuts can be made but the sheet must remain relatively whole- so not cut in half etc. clicking the link takes you to the UK site, SomethinkCollective for examples.
So, I decided last week to take a little break from working with glass to create a mini-book for a local Minibook Collective that I had read about. It sounded like it would be fun! I've put some of the information from their website above, but basically they want books that reflect the artist's personal interpretation or feelings about Greenville, SC.
After thinking about it for a couple of days, I jotted down a quick verse about what Greenville means to me. Bottom-line...Greenville is Home. It's not where I was born, but it is where I want to be. In fact, I've been here so long, that it is now more home than the place where I grew up.
I then started the process of figuring out how I wanted my book to look. The size was limited, so that was an easy decision. The only other rule was the sheet had to remain intact... I spent some time folding the page, and then sketching out the basics of my layout. I then moved my idea to the computer, using Photoshop and InDesign to combine photos I had taken with text and effects. After the design was finished, I printed out a test copy to double check fold and placement.
The next step was to have the file output to a single sheet of high quality stock. I then carefully cut out my book, scored and folded the pages. I used pastels, Prismacolor pencils, markers, pigments and findings to finish off my little book. Now, if I can just manage to get it turned in by the deadline!
Minibook dummy - basic fold and rough sketch.
Second Draft for position and fold.
Final - Cover
Final - Open to Gate Fold
Final - Opened Gate
Final - Inside Spread
Final - Back Cover
HOME
Tiny petals drifting down
the stream of hours,
Alone, apart
from garden flowers,
Swirls in a pool,
Lands on a stone,
Lifted by breezes
and carried along,
Comes to rest,
finds a home,
Falls among strangers,
soon to be friends,
Many paths to one place,
each journey ends.
"Progress always involves risks.
You can't steal second base
and keep your foot on first."
Frederick B. Wilcox
A recent show where I had to be flexible and adapt to a different set-up on the fly.
I really enjoy working with glass. I love creating with it, experimenting with new glass and new techniques. Its just fun!
Soon after I started working with it several years ago, I realized that unless I wanted a garage full of my creations, I would need to find ways to sell it. And so, I began to explore the possibilities...friends, galleries, shops, art shows and festivals. It wasn't long before I sent in an application for my first show.
Now, after doing them for a few years, I think I've gotten better at it. I feel more comfortable with the application process. I have worked and reworked my setup, streamlining where possible. I've met lots of great people and networked with amazing artists. I am getting better at knowing how to deal with potential customers - there is a definite balance between engaging them and making them feel pressured to buy and uncomfortable.
But, the thing I'm still haven't figured out, and I'm beginning to realize I may never figure out is which shows to do and which to take a pass on. There is always the risk that a show will be a total failure. I've had more than a few of those. I had one where I didn't make a single sale. I was stuck there for 2 whole days and in the hole a $100 show fee and the piece I donated as a door prize...depressing.
Occasionally, the risk pays off. There was one show that I hesitated to do because it just seemed to have "dog" written all over it... ended up being the very best show I've ever done.
I would have to say that the best shows seem to be the ones that are organized, that stress marketing and advertising. These shows seem to have a buzz about them that make people want to attend. They usually have a cohesive look and great signage. They have volunteers that help you unload, direct you to your setup area, and even booth sit when needed. Some shows have a built-in clientele - think trade shows and conferences. These good shows usually have a little higher show fee and are juried and selective about vendors. They also may require vendors to have white tents, table clothes, etc. to create an certain look.
The worst shows are unorganized, have little advertising, obscure locations and terrible signage and buzz. In my experience, shows that aren't juried, aren't primarily about art (family festivals with rides and jumpy houses, health fairs, etc) are the ones to think about avoiding.
Of course, none of this is set in stone, I have been pleasantly surprised in the past. Sometimes, it's good to trust your intuition and take a risk. Because, no risk, no progress.
I've also found it helpful to anticipate what you can and learn to be flexible and adaptive. No show ever goes exactly like you expect - there are just too many variables...rain, wind, sun, a bad spot full of tree roots, water draining through your booth, neighbors that block/take part of your space, no customers, no sales, too many customers at once, no bathroom breaks, no parking near your spot, no place to unload, rude people who say loudly that they or their child have seen/made better and cheaper, and this list could go on and on.
So, I will keep trying new things. I will keep being positive, keep learning and growing, improve where possible, and to keep leaning toward second base.
"Snowmen fall from heaven Unassembled." - Unknown
Tonight and tomorrow night The Saturday Local Art Market is participating in Fashion on the Town. I couldn't be there tonight, but will be one of the vendors tomorrow. I did make it by there a little bit later to check out the setup. I thought it looked great! Its a perfect night tonight, cool, but not cold, and perfectly clear. I thought SLAM had such a nice vibe at night. The lighted tents were beautiful. There was even a guy playing a steel kettle drum. I am looking forward to being a part of it tomorrow night!
The first photo is of this cool little helper tool I got at Harbor Freight. It only cost about $5, but has really come in handy. I don't do much enameling, but when I do get the chance, I usually solder the jump ring together. This little tool holds it for me, while I hold the solder and torch.
I've also included some of my more recent pendents. Even though I don't usually consciously decide to create seasonal pieces, it seems like I've drifted into more fall colors lately. All of these are glass, except the last three. These are enameled copper.
