Monday, June 13, 2011

Time for Family and Creativity

The pace has slowed dramatically, but the foundation has been laid. With the website makeover, payment processing implemented and now “owning” a shop on Etsy, more time is now free to spend on being creative, while spending more time with my children. I have begun to utilize photographs being taken as the basis for painting projects.

Currently, I have begun a piece consisting of ink and soon, watercolor. The vision for this set is somewhat abstract, combined with a contemporary feel. I also have two smaller pieces I will be working on; these pieces consist of a blue bird photographed over the winter and a hummingbird approaching a daffodil. These pieces are being completed at the special request of my daughters. However, I will share the outcomes.

Finally, I am preparing for the Three Rivers Art in the Park art fair, which will be held nearly four weeks from now. A few minor modifications to the booth may be made, but for the most part all is in place and ready to go for this event. My children are excited about working on art projects with me this summer and attending the next art fair. Perhaps there will be a collaborative project in our future?

Take care,

Shanon
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Staying on Course

The village of Winona Art Fair on June 4th and 5th went well. From setup to tear down, the whole experience was wonderful. Friday night the realization was quickly made that the simple display was going to need to be accented with furniture items. The goal was to give the sense that the viewer was standing in a very intimate gallery. Compared to more experienced artists, the display was quite simple, but many remarks were made as to how well it looked being the first art fair experience.



For years mostly family and friends have seen the work that I create and for the first time it was made more public and I was able to witness first responses to certain works. Over the course of this two day event, ninety degree weather, and a storm, I realized there are certainly risks, but also rewards with this type of event. I was so blessed by all those who made it out in the heat and humidity to be supportive and encouraging, and again, thank you. I also found I most enjoyed communicating with all the people stopping by the booth.

Following this experience, as well as conversations with individuals and my family, it seems as though continuing on the course I have been on for the past several months is a good idea. The foundation from the business aspect has already been laid. Contacts and mentors continue to provide advice and directions. And most importantly, my family absolutely loved being a part of the creative event. They again have encouraged me to continue moving forward – this is a blessing. As was mentioned before, the pursuit may not be as aggressive, but those closest and most important to me have solidified the notion to not completely give in and resort to an intermittent hobby.

Take care,

Shanon