Hi everyone! I hope you are enjoying your summer taking in the longer days and warmer weather.
I had a fabulous Canada Day, my first Gorge on Art too! Getting accepted to take part motivated me to do a couple of things…I now have a 10ft x10ft shelter and new business cards! Nothing like an opportunity to show my art to motivate me! It was great to have the space to display my art. Set up went smoothly with big thanks to my husband aka ‘Sherpa’ helping me throughout the packing to set up, take down and packing everything home again.
The experience was rewarding on so many levels. Firstly the ability to connect with so many people throughout the day was fantastic. The feedback is so very important to me as an artist, as I spend a lot of time solo in my studio. That said, I really appreciate the observations/comments that come from viewing my art in person. Of course sales are great too! I sold a couple of pieces as well as many art cards. Thank you so much to all who were able to attend, and the support from purchasing my work goes a long way in supporting my passion.
A few ‘take always’ from my first Art Market:
- Organization is key, check and recheck. Ensure the pieces you bring have wires on them! 😆 Even after a practice set up I overlooked this! I can’t believe I packed three pieces without hanging hardware (upside these pieces will be at the Esquimalt Urban Art Tour at the end of the month…more later).
- Stay aware of space within your shelter to allow viewing of the art. Aim to make it inviting. Listen to comments, there can be some real gems for sure, providing even more inspiration. Extras like chairs, bags etc., better tucked out of the way.
- I had a few of questions about how I paint my edges. I carry the front image over all edges of the canvas. To achieve this I start the piece on a stretched canvas, painting around as I go. Once I have completed the front, I go back and touch up edges as required before varnishing. The result is a finished piece which can be hung unframed. As frame choice can be quite personal, I do not frame my work. My completed pieces are then wired ready to hang. Of course, this still leaves the option of framing should the client desire to do so. I had considered painting the edges a neutral colour instead, however the consensus seems to be most people like the way I currently paint the edges. One comment made was ‘it gives the piece a 3D effect’ which was great to hear. So for now I will continue to do this 👍🏻
- I was fortunate to be out of the wind that others experienced so weights, tie downs, etc can be a real bonus to have on hand.
Just a few things of note…
I had a piece juried into the Victoria Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists Summer Exhibition Expressions at Fortune Gallery which ran until July 8th. The show of 55 pieces was quite something to see. If you missed it you can view it on the Victoria FCA website here https://www.victoriafca.ca/expressionsgallery.html
I also currently have these three pieces available at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Highway. My art is part of an Arts and Culture Colwood member exhibit which runs to September.
Next up…Urban Arts Tour in Esquimalt. Mark your calendars for July 29th! https://www.ecah.ca/2023-uat-artist-profiles for event info, Artist Bios, maps and more. Subscribe to receive updates directly to your email.
Til next time,
Jenny
J Adams Paintings 