Fun at the Art Show

Wow,what a year so far!

Two shows missed due to illness, and two shows hammered with thunderstorms!

I have to admit that it is a bit disheartening to go through all the preparation, loading and unloading, travel, and set up, to end up being rained out.I guess I was lucky that I encountered severe weather in my first year doing outdoor shows, and as a result, I upgraded my canopy, walls, supports and tie downs. The thunderstorm last Saturday wasn't very long, but it brought very strong winds that shook my display alarmingly. Fortunately, after the last show, I waterproofed all the seams in my canopy, and nary a drop landed on my display.

Some other artists didn't fare so well - a few folks I talked do had rain damage to their work, and one poor soul apparently lost her whole inventory.

The outdoor shows can be a lot of fun, a bit like going for a picnic, except with the addition of about half a ton of gear! It's always enjoyable talking to folks who stop by. They may ask where a photograph was taken or how. They may compliment me on my work. They may just stop and look in silence. It doesn't really matter - it's great to have the interest.

A lot of folks stop by that have an interest in photography. I don't mind talking about how or where an image was made, but I do try to point out that the show is about the images themselves. Which model of camera or lens they were taken with really doesn't matter. Whether the images were made digitally or on film doesn't matter to me(I shoot exclusively on film, because that has worked for me for a long time, and I am a believer in the adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it").

The shows are also great opportunities to occasionally wander around and look at other artists' work. I have to admit that sometimes I'll see an image and think to myself, I wish I had taken that! I also have to admit that sometimes I'll see images and just scratch my head. To each their own, I guess. Of course, that's the attraction of an art fair - the variety of work, and the fact that the artists themselves are there to chat with you.

It has been heartwarming to see that most artists are keen to see other folks' work, and quite open to express their admiration. Yes, there are a few who are so intent on sales, and concerned about perceived competition, that they'll stay in their booth and stay quiet. Not many though.

It's usually a great sense of camaraderie that prevails. I find myself inspired and invigorated by other artists' work, and by positive comments from the public. Despite the exhaustion post-show, I always come away with a new enthusiasm for the next one.