Going to 'Make it up North' a Contemporary Craft event in York yesterday was so good for me, on so many levels. Janilaine Mainprize and I went to listen to Dionne Swift talking about her work, and then we spent time looking round the rest of the exhibits followed by a lovely lunch in the Autumnal sunshine.
Dionne Swift - New Grounds
I've been having a tough time recently, and having a day out, away from the studio and home was JUST what I needed, and I couldn't have wished for a better companion. What a treat to talk about sewing machines, fabrics, and pebbles with someone who genuinely shares an interest in it, and isn't just humouring me!
janilaine mainprize - Pebbles
I was particularly interested in using some of the day looking at how other artists set out their 'wares' and promotional materials at fairs and exhibitions. I am thinking particularly about how to display my work at BCTF in April.
Dionne Swift's talk was interesting. Finding out about other artist's inspiration and career progression is always interesting, in a voyeuristic sort of way, but I can't say that it was the highlight of my day - how often is it that the thing you are looking forward to seeing feels is slightly disappointing - but then something totally unexpected blows you away?
That spot for me, yesterday, was taken by Helaina Sharpley, Wirework Artist. Her kindness, and generosity in sharing good practice tips about setting up a craft business, orders, marketing, publicity etc was really invaluable. What a fantastic gift, thank you. AND her work is fabulous too! Www.helainasharpley.co.uk There is a great article/interview about her on
On to the show itself - the thing that struck me most, was the difference between the 'look' of many stands, and i tried to think about which ones stood out, for me, and why. I decided that, for me, those with an overriding theme or image worked best. One definitive style. Whether i liked the work or not was irrelevant really. If the stand was a 'display in itself' i was drawn to it. It isn't enough to just put your work out on plinths and stands. Dressing the stand seemed to be very effective. I will be thinking about how to make my stand at BCTF into a mini exhibition/experience.
When we were out buying and eating lunch we came across a gentle looking man, with a beard, slightly 'hippy' looking, with longish hair and 'easy to wear' comfortable clothes. He was carrying a sign which said "FREE HUGS". I availed myself of one of his hugs, and it was really really lovely. What a special service he was providing. I was moved by him and the idea of him. X x
All in all a very good day.
I've spent today thinking my about my brand image. Selling product and selling a ' Brand' is a totally different business to making art or craft. Obvious really. But a hard discipline to get my head round, when i go into the studio and just want to 'make'. I really think having distinct working areas will help me. IT, manufacturing, Research & Development, marketing - all different departments, all needing their own area and head-space.
Onwards . . . . . .
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