OK, the list,
…let’s see, where is that list now?
Oh, right, here it is. Table, umbrella, (do I need a chair – for breaks, perhaps), table cloth, cooler (water, snack), tent, tent walls, sandbags, display walls, screws, nuts, bolts, tape, clamps, wrapping supplies; and what am I missing? Right, the art!
Transitioning from sales and events in the studio to outdoor events is challenging. It’s time-consuming. And between these two factors, there’s the consideration of branding, labeling, consistent pricing, and business cards; followed by other marketing factors like product photos for promotions and online stores.
But with summer festivals and events, the experience of meeting potential customers and patrons, and learning how they interact with your work, is one of the most valuable experiences for an artist.
I’ve learned a lot about what people may be looking for at a particular venue, and what they see in my work. And that’s an important aspect about making art, having a dialogue about the work and the visual language itself.
I want to know about the reactions to my work, from decorative work to artwork that’s representational or abstract. If it’s a shot of a pear, sometimes I hear it’s a “lonely pear” or a “juicy pear.” But ultimately are we talking about a pear, or the fast pace of our “fruitful” years?
Which leads us to the artwork itself, what should the artist display at an outdoor event? Anything?
As artists and craftsmen, do we think commercially or only work from inspiration? Those are the questions.
