That's Show Biz

For those who follow or read this blog (I know I do!), you know I tend to focus on the process of things. Especially as it relates to creating and pursuing my passion.. ART. I just finished the second of three holiday shows that I signed up for before year end.

I am trying to process "the process" of doing shows-emotionally, mentally, financially, physically, creatively and observationally. I need to do shows and to promote myself to get ahead. That requires working through real and imagined obstacles. For instance, coming home from this weekend's show disappointed and allowing the tears to flow in the privacy of my apartment. You may see me sweat but you won't see me cry in public in a professional setting.

My actual show experience is limited. I probably have done seven art shows total (3 outdoor -sold my tent after 2) over the past four years. My m-o these 8 part-time years has been primarily to sell to retail stores while I worked a steady paycheck job. The only shows I did were trunk shows. That paradigm is no longer working. My retail outlets have shrunk from double digits to single digits partly due to closures.

My experience attending shows is excellent. I observe and take in a lot- the exhibitors, diversity of work, booth display and price points. Part of the reason this was not the best show for me, which is a family based show, was participants' price points, most considerably lower, lack of diversity-tons of beaded jewelry and less art ,which is good and bad, and the actual timing-Thanksgiving weekend. Will not mention the economy-oops-just did. I knew this going in to this particular show but I also knew I needed this for the experience. And I was graciously accepted. This was the culmination of me going from show spectator to show participant- emotional challenges and all.

This show was great for me in that I tinkered and experimented with my display ability.Tried to make my own fun during the lulls. One day I used a black tablecloth, the next day tried purple for "pop". I brought in a different display piece for my bracelets. I rearranged boxes. As always, I met some great artists with lots of prior show experience, and those like me. I reconnected with a few I hadn't seen in a while. It helped to interact directly with the public who attended, and there weren't many. It was interesting to observe buying habits at all booths, see who and how they looked at my work, listen and get feedback, all to a get a better feel for my audience. I got names to add to my mailing list. I met people who already own or have seen my work in stores. I would not that get personal touch if I did not do shows.

I started writing this blog Sunday night when I got home and it is now Tuesday. The tone is much different now than when I began. The process of healing and growing after creating some distance has begun. The One-of-a-Kind Show starts in two days where I will be a spectator this year. In two weeks, December 13th to be exact, I will be a participant in the Architectural Artifacts Holiday Show. With more experience and time, I hope my confidence will grow. I will try to respect where I am now. I am proud of what I have personally accomplished this year. I plan to have more to show in 2010.

It definitely is a process. And That's Show Biz .