After the Abington Show in Clarks Summit, PA, I took the pots to Harford, PA, for the start of the fair with the other members from the Northeast PA Artist Collective . I was one of the last to set up there due to both events being back-to-back. There was a light rain as I took the pots to the booth. Being with other artists at the fair was a way to show what we made to local people who might care. The fair is always an enjoyable time.
We ran a check to be sure all the members were able to open Square to take payment and finished up pricing items. As we were in the booth, we had a few people stop by, and we made our first sale. It was nice to see that maybe we would be off to a good start. It was not the money that we made the work for, as there are many other easier ways to make money, but the buyers were able to chat with the artist and have a nice interaction that left the artist beaming and the buyer happy.
In my mind, it was great to be there to see the exchange, and I knew I might need to work to help repeat these interactions and connections between the maker and people who care. At times it is very hard to find handmade anymore at the county fair. Gone are the days of the Grange and other societies that used to gather and make work. Many of the vendors at the fair are now mostly buy and sell. It is, however, possible to get caught up in what others are doing and forget why you create work as an artist.
In his book, Intrepid, Scott Perry talks about how keeping your head down and having focus is very important. Creating and making, then finding a way to show that work to the people you made it for. When we say “Look, I made this for you!” It says we stand behind our work and what we create, regardless of what is happening around us. Often, noise comes from others, and suggestions may not align with our core values and guiding principles as we find the people who matter to show the work to. So the fair booth is just another channel to maybe make a connection and be generous. Creating is an act of generosity.
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?" -Pirkei Avot 1:14
If I were living yesterday a second time: I would have started earlier making pots. I need to carry an inventory. Breaking down one show to put up another was a bit exhausting.
Things I am grateful for: Connecting with the other and creating.
If I get to live to be 86, I might only have: 12595 days left.
Originally published at Creek Road Pottery
Connect with Creek Road Pottery LLC:
Website | Shop | Collectors Club | The Pin Tool Podcast | Instagram | Bluesky
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.