A patron friend, some years ago, began talking about her own
art. She had spent several years making small pieces of jewelry and thought she
might try and sell at an art show. Thus began our journey of getting her
ready. Creating a few things for friends
is a whole lot different than holding yourself ‘out there’ and shouting “Here I
am”.
We encouraged her, forwarding all show information, helping
her design business cards and even helping with a tabletop design. Still she
had self doubt and was afraid. Always she had what she considered a very good
reason for waiting a bit longer.
Well you can only push so much so we backed away a bit
giving her space. We did ask that when she finally decided it was time, to
please let us know.
Guess what! I got an Email last week, rather long, that was
filled with surprise; delight a little pain but a great deal of enthusiasm. She
had actually done her first art show, very small but she had put herself out
there and immediately indicated signs of being hooked into the art life and
show circuit.
It has been said that work is not work when the work is
loved. Bet me. Long days, grinding conditions and opinionated customers are
just a part of an art show and while you may love it, there is an awful lot of
work.
