Spreading My Wings

I find that in life you are either going to soar with eagles or hang with chickens. 

                    I personally have decided to abandon the farm.

The way I see it, no matter how you look at things, if you are an artist at the Artexpo you will always come out on top.  Artexpo gives you the opportunity to spread your wings,
 How far you go is really up to you.

Every time I come to the Artexpo I learn and experience something new. 

This year, I was able to share my story on video with Artexpo's video guy. So I figure you are going to see me somewhere on the Artexpo web-site. Yeaaaa!!

I have learned to expect the unexpected

A couple from last year arrived on Saturday just to see me. The following year they had stopped by my booth and fell in love with my work. Unfortunately they'd just purchased a very nice painting from another artist, bummer for me. (I tried to convince them to take the other painting back because my was clearly way better. Uhmmm) No, I am kidding. But guess what, I was the first booth they stop at this year, and yes they brought a painting. They came looking for me.  (I guess someone else was bummed out this year.)

They brought "The Giver III" one of my newer pieces

It was a good thing I had it on hand. At first they didn't see what they wanted on the wall. I informed them I had more in the back and gave the wife my portfolio book that showed the other piece I had in storage.  They were able to look through my portfolio booklet and pick out the pieces they wanted to see.  We brought the paintings they chose to view and the wife found her perfect piece. 

It pays to be prepared.

Patience is definitely a virtue

(Be anxious for nothing, Philippians 4:6-7) 

A very wise woman gave this scripture to me many years ago.

And it still applies to my life daily. As an Artist it is hard not to be anxious when you go to a show like the Artexpo. Your expectations are high, and they should be. But this can also bring with it some anxiety that will keep you from exploring all that the show has to offer. You must learn to be patience and take everything in, especially if this is your first time showing at the Artexpo.

This year I had several Trade people come by, now I have had trade interest in the past, however for some reason this year they seemed to have taken even more of an interest in my work. Here is how I know. I received several cards from trade people that I hadn't gotten last year. Mind you, these people had all seen my work here before. Yet, they never left me their card or spoken with me. They would often just come by, look, take info and move on, but not this time. This year they actually stayed, talked, viewed and asked questions and about pricing. 

I find it's a great place to encountering new people

I got a chance to meet Mr. Slaymake's sister, Jill. She lives in New York. Her work is in museums and quit a few private collections. She is a wealth of information and I can't wait to talk with her again. She recommended some really great books for artist during one of the educational seminars. We got a chance to talk at my booth, and on the walked back to her brother's booth.

 Mr. Slaymaker brought her by to meet me before the seminar. He and I met last year, I like talking with him, he’s old school and real. He owns Slaymaker’s Gallery in Chicago. He lets me call him Woody; I still call him Mr. Slayman, great guy.

What I have found to be true

Being an artist at the Artexpo makes you have to

up your game. I find that my work, presentation and attitude all have to be on point. 

Every year I look for new ways to improve the overall quality and presentation of my work. 

This year I chose to separate my bronze pieces from my painting by bringing in my outer wall by three ft. The results were amazing.

My inside booth didn't suffer I had thirteen feet to work with.

I chose to go with a very simplified look and store the rest.

I like to have a book on the table that shows some of the other works I have available in storage at the show. This keeps my booth from looking cluttered. Viewers can take their time and concentrate on one piece of art at a time without being distracted by other paintings hovering above.  

And as always I met some exciting new artist 

and reconnected with old Friends

The Artexpo is always a blast, from set up to tear down; especially with my fam coming through to help. I like to keep it positive; there is always something to take away from the experience.

And yes sales are always at the top of the list, every artist wants to make them, lets just be honest. The Artexpo is not free. However, there is a lot to be learned if you are open to receive it. 

"Mother's Love"

When I created my first bronze at the foundry the lady there asked me,"is this your big money piece, the piece that you feel is going to make you rich", I said no. She said good, because a lot of artist come in thinking that way. . . . . . . It takes time.

Never live in fear, selling isn't everything, no one will invest more in your gift then you will, and know  that God will never shrink your dream to fit you, but he will stretch you to fit your dream,   

                                                                                        if you are open to the possibility of achieving it.

Looking forward to next year and all it's posibilities. . . . . . .