Why do we bother?

Comment by Richard L. Sherer on July 17, 2015 at 7:09pm

I thought this post was going to be a little negative until I read the link. The money is essential but the benefits of meeting interesting people is rewarding too. And, I am not a people person,but I put that hat on during shows. Afterwards I can retreat to my studio. My business consists of three income streams: summer art shows and art work, custom saddles and tack, and restoration of antique saddles for collectors. The direction my art work has take has taken the last few years has been the result of special order requests by clients. Much of this has been small soft leather cases etc. which I used to poo poo and avoid. I have since learned how to pattern them, build them efficiently and to my hearts desire, use up small scrap pieces. I even bought a new sewing machine to pursue this further, but alas too busy right now. Maybe after I get caught up. For the "I'll think about it or be back" folks, I love it when they come back and what they wanted already sold. LOL. When they come back next year they don't dink around.

Comment by Barry Shandler on July 20, 2015 at 11:35am

Right On.

Comment by faye fisher-ward on July 21, 2015 at 9:07am

Sandy, it's as if I wrote this article. I have th same feelings about doing shows. The unpredictable, sometimes, dangerous weather, lugging heavy stuff and setting it up, the BLT's (browsers, lookers, talkers), the financial gamble of it all.
Like Richard, I put on my persona at each show. I'd rather be hiding in my studio making stuff. And while I'm in my studio, "the voices" plague me too. "Who would want this" "you don't know what you're doing" "youre a fraud", blah, blah, blah...
Then this winter, I decided to follow my muse, and make super artsy bags(I work in leather) combining, tooled veg tan, wood and soft leather. Hand sewing was involved so the prices were up there. I thought, oh well, at least I had fun for a few months, not thinking they'd sell. I sold 3 of them in June.
You're right about the high you get when that customer comes along and says, "this is mine, I have to have it".
I've learned to shut out those negative voices, and trust the muse!
Thanks for writing the article.

Comment by Christina L. Towell on July 23, 2015 at 8:14am

Great article, Sandy!  It's a lesson to all of us to reject negativity and believe in ourselves and our artistic vision.  Thanks for sharing this delightful story and do continue listening to your inner voices / muse...your work is spectacular!

Comment by Sandy Walker on July 23, 2015 at 8:44pm

Thanks for your feedback, it is good to know  I have contributed something meaningful , and that I am not alone.

Comment by Christina L. Towell on July 24, 2015 at 9:08am

Indeed...

Comment by Judy Jones on July 31, 2015 at 11:46am

Thanks for posting the link on Art Fair Insiders. This necklace was perfect for her right down to going with what she wore to the show that day.  Thanks for encouraging us to do the designs we dream up even if we think no one will buy them. My husband keeps telling me to repeat the words from Mary Chapin Carpenter's song, "I take my chances every chance I get"! As I get older it is getting harder and harder to do shows especially when the financial reward keeps dwindling. There must be some other alternative to finding and meeting those special buyers. I'm trying to find it!

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