Sunday, September 16, 2007

People's Arts Festival

Wow... what an amazing experience Saturday was in so many ways.

I was at the inaugural People's Arts Festival at the Russell Industrial Center Saturday for 16 hours and though I'm exhausted, it was all well worth it - so many amazing artists, so many amazing pieces of work, and so many amazing fans and enthusiasts. I had a booth on the street to promote my digital paintings and maternity series and also spent the last two weeks prepping the Streetwise Art gallery on the second floor of Building #2. After talking to Eric Novack yesterday and again today, there were AT LEAST 3,000 people that came through (personally my estimates were a little higher) and the crowds were so diverse and so excited to be there, it was really refreshing.

I was also very surprised that despite the fact that I had nothing at my booth (family friendly art) that really advertised my name, that there were people coming down from the Streetwise Art gallery (erotic art) and recognizing that I was the same artist from my style. That was really nice. It was surprising to me that it made me so excited to be recognized because I was starting to feel a little like I didn't really have a style or a unique perspective to show others.

In fact, one girl came down and found me at the street booth and immediately told me how excited she was to meet me and how much she loved my piece, "What Would Jesus Do?" and would love to hang it up in her apartment. I chuckled and told her to buy it and she replied that she didn't have anything more than a few bucks in her pocket. She was so sweet, a photography student and about to get married next month - so I cut her a deal and she ended up taking home the framed piece with the biggest smile. That felt so good.

I love making art because it's an outlet... a way to express some feelings, emotions and thoughts on topics that sometimes are better articulated in that form versus words. Since I began expressing myself artistically I have never questioned the value in making the art, but I've definitely asked myself a number of times why I share it.

And on that note, I'm exhausted, so this will be continued soon... and more pics to be added for sure.

In the meantime, feel free to visit:

Streetwise Art Gallery at People's Arts Festival

1 comment:

A. Owen Layne said...

I must say you did a great job putting on a wonderful artshow last Saturday. I am proud to have you as a partner in crime :)

You show a true passion for your beautiful artwork, and were able to organize a booth and a gallery with confidence, professionalism and visual excellence.