An observation or two, a hope or three:
Nels aside (odd duck he is) I have found most photographers to be somewhat reserved, less outgoing than most artists. Perhaps the lack of social grace due in part to inherent shyness, even lack of confidence. I certainly qualify for all the above. After a few years of doing shows, I came out of my shell and stopped looking at the booth down the aisle (and down my nose) as competition and decided to say hey (hey Andy. hey Goob.). I decided not to look at the work, but to look at the person, and what an eye opener this was.
We share so much, the human components to the traveling tent shows much more interesting to me than the work on the walls. I met those the crusty veterans with the twinkle of perspective in their eyes, the young whippersnappers who grabbed hold of the marketing elements and looked big time,the frustrated and bitter black cloud dudes I couldn't get away from fast enough, the young lady living off the grid in her camper ,her soul showing and glowing in everything she did.The guy in the white van whose work DID knock my socks off.
I came away from this year with a few bucks from my efforts, a new found respect for those that have paid the dues and make a living selling their wares off the tent walls. You guys are one of the last home grown entrepreneurs out there, America seems to have outsourced the entire manufacturing base, maybe even the whole damn middle class but in this traveling circus you get out of it what you put into it. Talent, creativity,marketing,communication, networking,schmoozing all make or break the deal for you. Ain't no one telling you where to go, or what to do.
So thanks to those who shared a bit with me, and I hope I managed to do the same.Please remember there are other business people that need your support. Stay away from the mass framers, and get to know the little guy running the frame shop.Maybe give him a chance for a feature piece. Avoid Walmart and Target, hit the bodega and tha Ma and Pa specialty stores (remember where the old downtown is). Starbucks will survive without you, but the woman and her corner coffee shop won't.Oh, and tip the bejeesus out of that waitress that takes care of you all year. And if you're having breakfast at an establishment without waitresses, man you gotta change that up right now.
Keep the spirit of the independent businessperson alive, for the holiday season and the coming year.Peace.
Comments
That was beautiful *tear* sniff, sniff. Well written and well said.
The artists on the art fair path are the best people I know and you are all an inspiration. Good shows in 2011 everyone drive safe as a motor cycle buddy of mine once told me- "keep the chrome up and the rubber down." Thanks for the article.
mark, thanks for this post. Good to see and read.
Have I been asleep, or has Nels come back?
Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Nels: Does "doing too much pakalolo" require the use of condoms?
me- old whippersnapper by my standards, surviving the road trips new to the circuit, met some great artists, made friends, embarking on new journeys in 2011. good post Mark, met you in Houston, Nels quacking, good sign, maybe we can make money in Florida! cheers!
Some old guy with a few car pics? My God. That was when I was three years YOUNGER.
Quack, Quack! Mele Kelikimaka brah, and don,t do too much pakalolo.
Hey Bill: No question at all. In fact, you were one of the first ones I met after getting off the high horse. Stevo was walking about , and mentioned some old guy that had a few old cars pics. The old Mark would have made a Bill Sargent voodoo doll and stuck you full of pins. The new Mark stuck his head in and met one the best guys on the circuit, one that I am always happy to see. Hope the year was good to you, and that next years breaks records for you and the missus.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next