Life of an Artist

Outdoor art shows are risky, especially for me since most of the pieces I have to sell at an art show are the smaller paper flowers I create. The larger art pieces are more difficult to transport and cost more than most customers typically want to spend at an outdoor art show. Today was successful even though it was full of challenges. The first challenge was getting the work to the show in the rain. I use an open bed truck to transport my work and booth set up. The show was postponed yesterday due to rain and today's forecast called for rain in the morning. Getting the work there without it being damaged was priority one. Keeping the display dry was priority number two. Then setting up and keeping the work dry on the display until the rain moved out was priority number three. Prospective buyers often arrive early. Some enjoy beating the crowd or just being a part of the buzz of set up. Regardless of the challenges, all vendors are expected to be ready by the show start time. Despite the challenges, I made it. Most often I am faced with the challenge of high heat temperatures and direct sun. Not today. The temperature kept dropping. You have to keep a smile on your face regardless. The customer is just as cold as you are but they came out to support local artists despite the unfavorable weather and that must be appreciated. Of course, the weather kept most people away and the show being moved to the rain date no doubt impacted the turn out as well. I received several complements but only sold one piece. But is selling the work the only measure of success? No. I met new people, added some to my mailing list, enjoyed getting to know other artists better, helped out a close friend and other than my display getting a little soaked around the bottom, none of my work was damaged. Outdoor art shows are a great deal of work. We're up at the crack of dawn and crash after unloading everything once we get home. We hope to at least make the booth fee back, cover the cost of food and travel just not to be in the red. Of course I'd like to fall into my favorite chair and relax knowing I made more sales than anticipated but that's not always the reality of the life of an artist.

#art #mixedmedia #jnicholsart #success #lifeofanartist