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* * * Canadian Craft Federation / Citizens of Craft.ca Podcast Series! : ) I'm in Episode #4... but you should listen to them all. : ) LISTEN

Monday 28 March 2011

Episode Re-Runs

What a weekend!!  Gosh, my head is still spinning.  I sold over half of my show and gained three new commissions.  I met and re-met so many wonderful people!  I was about to write in my journal about all the happenings, but I chose instead to do that here so you can be there too.  ; )


I love watching people notice my work as they walk by.  I'm always surprised at how they stop, backtrack, and go right up to the art.  I notice how many elderly gentlemen are intrigued by my sewing!  I don't know why that always surprises me.  But it does.  While the women come in groups and talk together and point, the men come alone and stand still and stare for the longest time.  I wonder what they are thinking??

Episode one:
A group of 4 women are at the display, pointing, chatting.  This particular group are also giggling and whispering.  I think that's odd.  I go up to them and say, "Hello.  These are my works.  Let me know if you have any questions."  They look at me, still giggling and one woman blurts out, "your prices are waaay to low".   : )


Episode 2:
A woman is literally bouncing up and down.  She likes my work.  She tells me they are farmers and she really wants a piece of my art.  Her husband (standing completely still) says, "Well then buy one.  I don't care.  They are all nice.  Just pick one."  She kept giggling and couldn't decide, so she took my business card and was still giggling as she left the area.
: )

 
Episode 3:
I arrive on the third day to volunteer for the first time in Hall A where the art is.  When I arrive, I introduce myself, and another volunteer says, "Oh it's YOU.  Did she find you?"  I have no clue what's going on.  Did who find me?  "The lady from the newspaper was just here, and she wants to talk to YOU." 
woah.


Episode 4:
A man stands at my display and is looking silently at my work for a long time.  He nods to himself now and then.  I walk up and say my thing, "Hello.  These are mine.  I'm happy to answer any questions."  He has a question.  He asks, "What school?"  ...Pardon me?  I don't understand.  He clarifies, "Where do did you go to school to learn all this?"  : )  I joke that I went to university for 8 years but came out a child educator and therapist.  He chuckled, shook his head, and took a business card.  He said, "I run a group that exhibits.  It's by invitation only.  I'll be emailing you." 
kewl.

So my work went out to cities and towns around the province.  That feels amazing.  I have commissions now in three provinces.  How did this all happen?  Amazing.

The BEST part of my weekend was connecting.  I connected with other artists, sewists, land-lovers, new friends, and old friends.  One of my friends from back in the Social Work days was there selling her art too.  Her name is Gloria.  It's been over fifteen years!  What a blast from the past.  It was just great to hang out with her all weekend.  As it turns out, she spends a lot of time with her family NEXT DOOR to me, and has for the past 4 years.  I had no idea.  WOW.  What a small world.  We are both shaking our heads and laughing over that one.  She does HUGE abstract paintings.  Gorgeous.  Go check them out if you like!


What a funny world!  : )
~Monika

13 comments:

Lee said...

Wow, congrats Monika, that does sound like a wonderful weekend! You deserve all the compliments and opportunities coming your way! Did you ever find the newspaper lady? : )

Anonymous said...

WOW! I'll talk to you at the meeting this evening;)
joyce

Scrappy quilter said...

Congrats on your sales, on your commissions and on a wonderful show. I'm not surprised though, your work is incredible.

Becky said...

That IS so kewl!!! What a great week-end for you! You deserve every bit of praise. What you do is very unique and skilled! Thanks for sharing!!

fabriquefantastique said...

Well done, you deserve all the kudos. Bet you are feeling good.

Christie describeHappy said...

So glad we get to celebrate all the awesomeness with you!! You are incredible and I am so happy for you!! Can't wait to hear all about the new commissions you will be working on!

felicity said...

Monika, congratulations on the well-deserved praise and attention!

Grandma Coco said...

What a successful show! Congratulations! You deserve it.

Bee said...

Fantastic news!! You do deserve all the praise, attention, commissions and success. Your work is beautiful! I have often watched people at quilt shows and have seen the lone man studying a piece for such a long time.....one does wonder what is he thinking?! So glad you had such a great time and reconnected with special friends!

Jackie said...

Good for you Monika! And so well deserved!!

Judy Wood said...

How good to read of your success with this show. I passed through on Saturday and felt your works really held their own. Looking forward to seeing more!

Bernie said...

Monika,
Loved the blog entry and your thoughts on what you saw. I also loved your elevator drawing from a couple of entries ago (couldn't seem to leave an entry that night - couldn't get to the "funny" word part) - trust me how good it is - I couldn't today draw from your drawing and make it look that good.
I also, am not surprised, that your work sold and that you got new commissions. It is very unique. I'm looking forward to seeing it in person at the Spring Art Show and Sale at the Superintendent's Residence in May. Guess you will have to get back to work to create more!
Bernie

Margaret said...

Congratulations, Monika! I'm looking forward to similar fun, fortune and people-watching at the Lacombe Art Exhibit in a few weeks. Just think! Now you have lots of new ideas and pieces to create!

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