After being canceled for the past two years due to COVID, art shows are back in full swing.
Two weeks ago, Jelly jumped back into the art show ring after being out of it for 3 years. The first show was in Plymouth, Michigan and the second show was in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Both are big shows and were back-to-back weeks. I had forgotten how physically demanding shows are: the travel, logistics, physical setup, being outdoors for 10-12 hours per day, meeting and talking to people, and almost always in hot, humid, and occasional stormy weather.
Plymouth started with torrential rain and flooding. Ann Arbor decided to serve three sweltering days and one night of heavy storms. In Ann Arbor this past week, I was standing in the pouring rain and high winds, watching my tent sway and my artwork wobble, when I briefly wondered, “Why am I doing this?” I was reminded of the answer quickly… reactions.
The reactions I am privileged to witness people have to my art is an experience I am forever grateful for.
Not only to experience but to also share with others.
I try to explain to people what an honor it is to have a piece of me inside their home, office, or dwelling when they purchase my art. Humbled is too widely used. This honor is very specific. Think about what it means to create something very personal to you. Then, have someone pay you for it for them to grace their home with your creation. It’s this privilege that keeps me creating. I forgot how powerful this specific feeling is.
One of my most vivid experiences was at the Wells Art Show in Chicago, about 7 years ago.
I watched this woman approaching my booth, literally stop dead in her tracks, and stare at something in my booth. She then walked straight into my booth and stood before the piece which entranced her. A few minutes later, I noticed her crying. Not sure what to do, I approached her and asked her if she was alright. She turned to face me and shared the following:
She had just gotten out of a horribly abusive relationship of 10 years. Her ex was now far away from her and legally forbidden to be near her. She described how she was beaten. How much he hurt her. How much he controlled her. How much he took from her. She then explained when walking near my booth, something spoke to her, causing her to look up and notice this specific piece in my booth.
Standing before it, she began crying because this piece triggered a sense of calm and relief; this relationship and stage of her life were over, and she was safe. Just that experience was powerful. What happened next took it further.
She wanted to buy the piece to hang in the living room in her new house. Symbolizing the strength and perseverance it took to get through everything he had put her through. It was a gift to herself she would forever cherish. I also expressed my gratitude to her for sharing her story with me: it was a gift to me I will cherish forever.
This is why I do it!
