My perception is something I own. It is my right to be intuitive and have certain insights that others may not see.
It is my way of observing. It is something I receive through my senses.
Stay with me here…..
My perception will never be yours. We are different. Our minds are unique.
That is a good thing.
If we all perceived things from the same vantage point, it would be a very boring world. It would also be a stagnant world. No one would be able to come up with new inventions or different philosophies.
Art would all be the same. Books would all pretty much be based on the same school of thought.
I am inimitable due to my perception. Perception can possibly be seen the same as opinions. If I should give my opinion to you on a certain topic or issue, that would be based on my perception of that topic.
Hence, folks constantly complaining about jewelry at shows…you have a right to your perception of “too much jewelry” but I perceive “too many paintings and photographs”!! Do I constantly write insulting remarks…no. (Please see manners blog)
My perception is my stamp on this world. You say tomatoe, I say tomato. You see the glass being half full; I see the glass half empty. (Or room for more wine…whine?)
I choose to go through life trying to observe other people's perception of the way things look to them. Then I compare. After that I may discuss the differences in my perception from yours.
In this world of exhibitors/vendors, all basically paddling the same boat of our creations…why are some so snarky…. can’t we all play nice?
Perception…..It's what makes the world go around.
Have a good show this weekend folks….
Lynn
Comments
Since shows are by their very nature stressful, it just seems reasonable to try and cut the other guy a little slack. My husband and I have an agreement that we don't pay any attention to the silly, childish, whiny, argumentative things that come out of our mouths. We just don't allow any of that to register (or we laugh about it later.) I have since expanded this approach to include other people, too. But of course, if the negativity from a person won't stop, perhaps a more proactive approach is called for. Where's Dr. Phil when you need him?
Thanks Connie!
And it's true....women love their jewelry!!! Sorry I have been so absent... lots of changes at my day job....Not part time any more. More like full time, so less time for the socializing!! BUT... I have put my foot down with them and set the limits. So I can have some fun time back, and with my busy season starting next month, straight through to Christmas, every weekend booked! I decided I needed to get some me time before that all hits!! I am so glad to see all the new people here on the site!! I Have new pictures to post and LOTS of news to get caught up on here!!! I Plan to spend a little time every day trolling!! I missed everyone here!!!
Karole -- how wonderful to see you show up here again. I've missed your good writing, your personality, all of your helpful information and the take on shows from your part of the country. Seems we used to chat now and then ... You are right, of course, each show does present a new challenge and there will always be unhappy exhibitors. My favorite jeweler story (and this is not to be mean or pick on this category at all, lord know I've bought enough jewelry at shows and I love to see new ones) -- I was running a show in Pontiac, MI, 4 days long, this man checks in and by the evening of the first day I hear him complaining about this is the worst show he has ever done. Then his neighbors stop me to complain about him and how he is complaining to all the people coming down the street, and not quietly. It continues into the 2nd and 3rd days, blah, blah, blah. Maybe he just needs someone to be nice to him and maybe buy some jewelry (my thought) so I head over there and OMG the whining continues, I try to talk to him about his jewelry, and honestly there was no way to buy anything, he was so negative. Why am I telling this story? Because I am glad to see you.
When I hear people complain about the jewelry and wearables at shows my stock reply is that if there was none of that at the shows, no one would be attending. You guys are the "draw." I live about 75 miles from Ann Arbor. One year in the weeks leading up to the show when people would say they were going I started asking them what they thought they would buy. EVERY single one said "jewelry." I was always happy to be next to a jeweler, they brought people to stop and then maybe stop in our booth also.
You are so welcome Lynn. I too had too learn not to let the negative ones get to me. It's been 8 years now since I started this.. it's a wonderful, never ending learning experience. The MOST important thing is TO LEARN from it. I learn something from every show...a better way to haul, to pack it all up, to set up, to tear down...and who to take seriously and who not. Many are helpful, charismatic, and fun....and many are trials. The best thing to do is NOT LET THEM affect YOU. And boy do my worry stones ( I keep Citrine, Hematite and Amethyst in my pocket and cash drawer at a show) get a workout! ;) if i start to feel a little frazzled from someone else's bitterness and whininess... I just grab one and start squeezing....it helps me ground, think and realize ... these aren't my issues... they are theirs, therefore I'm all good!!
Karole....you made my day!! Big hug!!!
Okay third try for this...
Lynn, sorry you had a Negative Nellie for a booth neighbor... they can be a trial. Good for you for standing up for yourself.
As Jewelry Artisans, we are SOMETIMES (please note that) perceived as interlopers in the ART WORLD. Art is a very subjective term, and EVERYONE on the planet has their own perception of Art. HOWEVER, that being said what you experienced wasn't just an ART WORLD problem, it was a personality problem. And unfortunately those personalities are everywhere. You are correct, snide, snarky and rude are unnecessary. But they are also unprofessional. Don't even waste your time with these individuals. He was wrong to assume the space was open, and shouldn't have encroached. HIS FAULT. Griping at you about... pfft. Whining because you had a shorter set-up time... "it's not fair"... DUDE... this isn't Kindergarten, and LIFE isn't fair...WAH. Smile, tell him maybe he should try Jewelry, if his own medium is too much work and WALK AWAY. I CONCENTRATE and pay ATTENTION to three things at a show... MY booth, MY customer relations, MY customers. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS in the big picture. Yes, I socialize, and and greet my booth neighbors. BUT MY BOOTH is MY WORLD. Those Negative Nellie's are going to hang with their own ropes...because the customers NOTICE. I don't care how great their ART is, if they are being rude, snide and snippy to other Artisans, and whining about their set up, they will lose sales. Karma is great like that... what we put out there, comes right back to us. Don't let em drag you down. As a result, I don't care what other Artisans, Crafters and vendors think about me or my Jewelry, in the end it comes down to MY CUSTOMERS, and THAT IS WHAT MATTERS.
Connie....it seems lately (not always) when we are next to someone who has paintings or so other very high priced creation, we get "Oh great more jewelry" then get mad because we have had a fabulous show. One gentleman (I use the term in a sarcastic way) said to us "it is not fair that you get to show up an hour before a show and I need 4 hours, plus now I have to move things because I thought this space was open" Ok..so my filter wasn't on that morning, maybe lack of coffee, but I lit into him.
Plus....I am really tired of posts saying "too much jewelry" it seems to be in every show review.
Ok...enough ranting, thats the tip of the iceberg!
Hope your show was good, Lynn. Love to hear the story behind this post ... I know something specific must have happened.
and I can't figure out what is the p.c. position on "glass half full" or "glass half empty."
Don't sweat it, Lynn. Folks gotta have something to fuss about.