Fish for the Arts

I was recently invited to participate in an event called Fish for the Arts sponsored by the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.  If you're familiar with the outdoor exhibit from a few years back involving Cows that were painted/decorated by various artists and then auctioned off for charity, this is a similar concept.  With Fish For the Arts, my challenge is to take a 3 foot fish and transform it using the medium of my choice.  

After weeks of tripping over the enormous box containing the fish, I finally broke down and opened it.  It was shocking to discover that inside the box was, in fact, not just a wooden cutout of a fish but a highly detailed, 3-D, painted replica, glass eye included, of a fish (forgive me for not knowing the exact kind).  So I rested fishie on the countertop and let him reside there for a few days while I tried to figure out what the hell to do with him.  The possibilities being endless (and overwhelming) coupled with my need to do something other than cut glass and solder, my brain was in overdrive and totally inspired. It was the perfect time to take on the "fish" challenge and since he's not officially due until June, for once, I'm not procrastinating.  

My goal: To do something different and transformational but also connected to my style and work as a painter and stained glass artist.  I'm not exactly sure when the idea hit me, but I decided to take inspiration from my stained glass projects and go from there.  So without over thinking things, I chose a simple palette of blue and green (and copper for the fins).. and I just attacked that fish!  As a finishing touch, I replaced the awful glass eye with one of my aqua pendants.  Et voila! Here is the new Fishie ready for Fish For the Arts!

(click on image to see larger view)

The FISH will be on display at various locations throughout the Cape.. details to follow.

February Finds

After the last few snow-filled weeks, it was fantastic to get out and spend the day with 80 of my closest crafty pals at the Cabin Fever Craft show in Boston.  My immediate neighbors were fabulous and multi-talented:

New Moon Studio - Colorful, modern ceramics

BG2770design - Husband and wife team designing up a storm

Surrounded by all these lovely things, overwhelmed by the creative energy in the room and not be able to sit still (think shpilkes), I lost complete control and went home with some very awesome things.

A HEART bookmark by AG Ambroult now nestled comfortably in my current read “Something Red” by the talented and beautiful Jennifer Gilmore.  And, ok, I admit it, I may have also purchased a pair of AG Ambroult Circus Circle earrings.

This pottery created by Hijacked Ceramics somehow found its way onto my desk (what the??)... and I won't  even mention the gorgeous wooden wall plaque that's now hanging in my living room.  

Anyhoo, on a somewhat unrelated note, I came across this foldable, wooden shelf (which also has wheels!!) on recent trip to my local antique shop.  So yesterday, I finally got to use this super duper, functional, easily transportable creation.  Now I just need to work on keeping it tidy.

There were many other fabulous exhibitors at Cabin Fever and you can find them all here.  Happy Valentine's Day to you! Hugs xoxo

If you're interested in any of the heart creations above, just holler.

Custom Work – To Do or Not To Do?

While most of my custom work experiences have been positive, there have been a few bumps in the road.  As a result, I've learned a thing or two and here are some tips that you might find helpful when considering this as an option:

1. DO WHAT YOU DO BEST: If you specialize in small, pet portraits and someone asks you to do a large, abstract sculpture, you might want to pass. The customer may love your style and think you totally rock but your style may not translate well into a different subject matter, medium or format.

2. EXPERIMENTATION: Like many artists, I’ve had some amazing experiences when faced with a new challenge. And experimentation is an integral part of an artist's creative development and growth.  That said, I've learned the hard way to reserve that process for non-commission projects.  See point #1.

3. I DON’T LIKE IT: There's a possibility you'll hear that indelible phrase and then have to fix/adjust/start over/call it quits. In one instance, I re-worked a portrait four times before the customer accepted it and even then, I didn’t get the feeling that she was thrilled. My vision (of beautiful) was not shared by my customer and it was frustrating. But as a result of this experience, I learned a few things. First, that I might need to invest more time into a custom piece than I'd spend on a comparable non-custom piece and second, that I should factor this into my work plan and fee. And for those eternal optimists who don't enjoy my 'worst case scenario' concerns, there’s also a good chance you’ll make an awesome piece that your customer loves instantly.

4. CONTRACT: Simply put, do it. It eliminates confusion.

a. Your name, business name and contact information
b. Customer’s name and contact information

c. Project’s scope – outline what you intend to make/do

d. Materials

e. Dimensions

f. Price

g. Timeframe

h. What’s included and what’s extra (site visits, photo shoot, sketches, framing, samples, proofs, delivery, installation, etc.)

i. Return Policy (yes or no)

j. Deposit (refundable or not)

k. Shipping/Delivery/Pick-up

5. GREEN LIGHT: Ok, so you’re totally excited to get started. But wait, did you get the official go ahead? In the scheme of things, it’s not a big deal if you don’t and you create the piece. But what happens if the customer doesn’t want it? What if it’s something you'd have difficulty selling to someone else (think portrait of Nana and grandkids). Unless you want to add that new piece to your own collection, keep this in mind.

6. DEPOSIT: You could require a non-refundable fee in the event the customer doesn’t end up buying the piece.  This ensures that you receive some compensation for your time. Or you could request a deposit (partial payment) to confirm the project or cover material expenses, etc. Or do neither, it's your call. 

7. RETURN/REFUND POLICY: This can range from “NO returns on custom work” to “a flat fee/restocking fee within 30/60/90 days” to “100% money back guarantee”. It all depends on your comfort level, your medium, your price range, and how you want to run your business. Whatever you decide, it’s helpful to think this through prior to a situation arising. Hint, hint.

8. NO, THANK YOU: Cut yourself some slack. If you’re not 100% comfortable with the project, for ANY reason, trust your instincts. Just. Say. No.

9. SPREAD THE WORD: If you have good experiences, positive customer feedback and want to increase this aspect of your business, let people know that you do custom work! Highlight it as an option on your website, business cards, postcards, emails, social networks or wherever you’re exhibiting your work. Referrals from satisfied customers and photos of completed projects have a big impact too!

Early December Update

Another fantastic weekend spent in Norwell and Newton.  Thank you, thank you, thank you! Wow, I’m a little overwhelmed.  As usual I get such great ideas when talking to people at shows and I just can’t wait to get back to the studio and create new designs. But first, I’ll take a deep breath and reflect on this weekend’s wonderfulness. 

For the record, I'm totally in LOVE with this building.

and I LOVE showing in this room at the James Library.

Heading back to Norwell where I grew up and exhibiting in the James Library is pretty darn neat.  Especially since I was next to Marla from Back Porch Soap Company (formerly in Plymouth, my current hometown) now in Duxbury.  On a rare occasion you encounter someone and can finish each other’s sentences within about 30 seconds of meeting.  Luckily she is one of those special few... so in addition to a great day with lots of visitors (including some old friends I haven’t seen in years!!), I met a new crafty friend and enjoyed the wafting scents of her yummy soaps and cosmetics! Oh, one more thing, if you're interested in learning how to make your own soap, Marla teaches classes!

A customer enjoying the offerings of Back Porch Soap Company

Then onto Newton where I had the pleasure of being adjacent to yet another window (natural light is awesome) and Sherit from Tiresh.  As a graduate of RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), she puts her painting skills to work and brings them to life on wearable fabrics including scarves, hats, capes, skirts, and newest to her line, pins and barrettes!   

I got to top off the weekend by celebrating a friend’s birthday at the Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown.  I was LOVING the décor as well as the menu (huge) and couldn’t get over the fact that the birthday girl enjoyed mac n cheese with a side of bacon while I was eating tofu + quinoa as not many places offer such a wide variety of options!  Highly recommend! A great way to end a fabulous weekend in December. 

 

Diners rule (this photo does not).

Happy Birthday to a very awesome lady!

Next and FINAL stop on the 2010 show train, ready or not, here I come!

December 11 + 12

Show Hours:
Saturday 10-5 / Sunday 10-4

11th Annual New England
Holiday Craft Festival

Rockingham Park Racetrack
79 Rockingham Park Blvd
Salem, NH

hingham + holiday = hooray!

Although I was a wee bit cold, I had a fantastic weekend at the holiday shipyard show and became aware of a whole new development in Hingham that I didn't even know existed! Wow. The area is just full of potential for shopping, relaxing and dining.  Tons of free parking, beautiful water views and numerous restaurants including Alma Nove,  Hingham Beer Works and Typhoon Asian Bistro  to name a few. And for some cool design and artsy stuff, there’s BG Galleries, a humongous showroom of antique, vintage and modern design, and across the street, the newly opened satellite location for the South Shore Art Center.  Both were closed by the time I was done packing up for the weekend so I’ll have to make a trip over there soon to do some more exploring.

Ok, so back to the actual SHOW.  Thank you to everyone who came out in droves to attend and make purchases at this first time event, especially my local pals from the south shore.  It was great to see you all and I appreciate the support!  Once again I lucked out with neighbors.  I’ve seen Big Skinny the Cambridge-based creators of the world’s thinnest wallets at several shows but this was the first time I was next to them.  And my other talented neighbor Rachel of Malagueta traveled all the way from Philadelphia to bring her beautiful clothing and handbags to the Boston area.  I think she should come back to Boston often!  

Um, so I kinda splurged a bit and did some shopping of my own.....

Some fabulous frames from Mean & Wroughten (I can’t resist a pair of old red scissors with chipped paint welded to a frame.. I just can’t), a set of gorgeous pillows from Red Staggerwing Designs (hello yummy color combos and beautiful craftsmanship!) and lastly, a most awesome cabinet by John Warren Designs (as soon as I saw it, I stopped in my tracks and was like.. omg, I have to have that!).  But I had to stop myself there for the tent was brimming with so many amazing temptations… 

 Mean & Wroughten frame (without a photo)

Red Staggerwing pillows, my bed never looked so good.

Oh, and a final shout out to Cindy from Letter C Design for also making the trip to Hingham from Connecticut. The designs and paper goods from her studio are just awesome!

Display Ideas, etc.

Just finished a show at the Duxbury high school and it was pretty sweet.  I have to say I was a little surprised at the condition of the girl's bathrooms (ew...gross), but aside from that, the show was great.  A huge thank you to organizer Brooke Stanton and her beautiful hand-dyed silk scarf collection. Yay Brooke!

My immediate neighbors and I became quick friends which is always an added bonus when you're planted in one spot for 2 days.  And since the booth spaces were 10x10, I'm always curious to see how others will set up.  I saw some pretty creative displays and here are a few:

First up.. T. Breeze Verdant's marquetry and inlay work.  On each side of his set up, there are 2 hinged doors painted black to display hanging work, leaving the center open for him to interact with customers... there's also a horizontal pole overhead to hold the lighting panel. A clean, crisp look, and a great way to display tabletop and hanging pieces.

Another gorgeous set up by Catherine & Rob from By the Sea Driftwood! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just want to curl up with a blanket and hang out in this space all day. It's inviting, warm, full of charm and brimming with lots of beautiful old stuff that's been repurposed and given new life... they utilize every inch of space on their walls, top to bottom, and leave the middle open...it's very welcoming.  Oh, if you're heading to the Cape, be sure to stop by their studio in Orleans... that's pretty dreamy too..

It's challenging when you have an enormous body of photographic work and you only have so many square feet of wall space.  So in addition to display walls and racks, photographer David Grossman brought (the most enormous monitor I've ever seen) to display his work.  It drew people in and was an effective way to quickly display the range and depth of his subject matter. 

Deirdre's Heart at Work Jewelry is designed to inspire your soul and it's definitely done so to mine.  Her unique wood and painted display cases have had a long show history and you can always spot Deirdre and her delicately displayed pieces as her display stands out from the crowd.  And their compact design is fantastic when it's time to break down and head home, a most important feature for those of us traveling from show to show...to show..

Here is a room shot taken by me standing on a wobbly chair behind my table. yes, ladies and gents, I really do live on the edge.  As you can see if you look closely, some exhibitors used their outdoor tents (without the top) to create their set up.  A little fabric, banner, grid walls, etc. and voila, you have a natural divider and backdrop. I really wish someone (like the event organizer) had mentioned the tent idea as an option for shows I've done in the past.  It would have been so much easier if I'd known that was an option. Of course, it seems so obvious NOW but it wasn't the first thing I thought of.. ad I'm someone who definitely thinks outside the box. lesson learned.

So the next stop on the holiday show train is Hingham!! It's bizarre and wonderful to be exhibiting so close to home/where I grew up and running into people I haven't seen in years (!!!)...and hopefully I'll see a few more familiar faces, so much fun.  So forget those malls (yawn) and head to fun craft shows to buy locally, handmade stuff from really awesome people!

Hingham Shipyard Holiday Market

November 27 + 28

I Shipyard Drive - Hingham, MA

10am to 6pm both days

FREE Parking and entry

I'm in BOOTH 70

Ahhhh... Monday

Organizing my week's "To Do" list and it seems overwhelming but somehow it'll all get done.  So before I get to it, here are some photos from TWIST in Northampton, MA.  I was one of the first to arrive for set up (cuz I'm an early bird... and a nerd) so I snapped photos over the 4 hours prior to the opening.  It's amazing to watch a room transform from an empty shell into a magical, energetic place:

11:30am

12:30-ish

 1:30pm

2:30pm

3:30pm

 And at 4pm.. it's lights, music, shoppers...showtime!

I spent Sunday in Pawtucket, RI at CRAFTOPIA and was so fortunate to be surrounded by fabulous, talented friends including Idazz, Weehah!, AG Ambroult, Hilary, Joy in My Studio and Twigs & Heather.  The day went by so quickly and before I knew it, it was time to pack up and head home.

Amy from AG Ambroult & Louisa from Weehah! (above)

Next shows are a bit closer to home:

November 20 + 21

Saturday, November 20, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, November 21, 11:00am – 4:00pm
at
Duxbury High School
130 St. George St., Duxbury MA

I'm in BOOTH 6

($5 general admission)

AND

November 27 + 28

1 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA

I'm in BOOTH 70

10am to 6pm both days

FREE admission and parking!!