So, as I can't sleep and it is 4 in the morning, I will write something, which hopefully won't be too garbled!
Lots has been happening work-wise, so at least I have an excuse for hiding away from this blog thing . . . don't I??
Earlier in the year I exhibited at Ripon Cathedral with the Great North Art Show and sold my Mermaid. She was hung the wrong way but this obviously helped! I got to meet her new owner a couple of weeks ago and have been invited in to see her should I ever be passing, which was great, and as she is local, Copt Hewick, I may well do so one day.
I also showed at Art for Youth North at Queen Mary's, Topcliffe, no success at this one I'm afraid, but you can't win 'em all.
Crafted by Hand was a super duper art/craft fair organised by Josie at the Gallery in Masham at the end of October, I had a fantastic day, in fact, I think everyone did. Every stall holder was a real artist/maker, nothing bought in and the crowds who attended were obviously blown away by this as Masham has never been so busy! And all, it seemed, had come with the intent to support us by buying. I think people really are on the look out for handmade at the moment, so many art/craft fairs have become a tad farsical of late, lots of bought in work etc, so to actually be able to buy handmade off the actual makers, talk to them about what they do and see some of us demonstrating, made a refreshing change. A fantastic day!
I have had several commissions on the go too and still have some to go, things have picked up somewhat on this time last year, for which I am very grateful.
Art is the only thing I have ever wanted to do, since being a small child, so when things go badly I wonder if I made the right choice, a very panic inducing thought! when I have work coming in it makes me feel as though all these years of sticking with it have been worth it all, even when I have had to do other work to supplement my living. And the fact that people actually want a piece of work, made by me, to hang on their walls, still makes me feel hugely privileged and I hope this feeling doesn't go away, I would never want to become complacent about what I do, nor arrogant. Please knock be back down to earth if I do! Seriously folks.
For the first time ever I also have things in my diary for next year too, shows and a couple of collaborations. And I am going to have a go at a couple of competitions too, both outside my usual remit, but what the hell, nothing ventured nothing gained! My little brain is getting a challenge, we'll see how it goes.
I will try to add something a bit more often from now on, and will now try to get a bit more sleep . . . though it hardly seems worth it . . . busy day ahead!
goodnite xxx
