Move ahead 6 months since I last sat here and wrote something, and I find myself staring at the white screen with the cursor's nagging blinking urging me to come up with something interesting or witty to say. I have been putting this off. It's really not that I don't think about writing these posts, but somedays what I want to talk about isn't really the norm for a jewelry blog. Somedays I just need to vent about something, or am looking for a sympathetic ear. When there isn't really anyone in one's life who can fill those roles, then cyberspace calls, but that's TMI for anyone reading out there. I read other crafty blogs from time to time, and they are all about the creative process, with great tutorials and the like. Moving forward, should I decide to continue this seriously, that is what I should be doing.
Overall, last year was a good year for Pink Gargoyle. Sales were consistent with 2010, which I guess in a fragile economy, is a good thing. Some new shows were absolutely fantastic - the Bloom Markets in Ft Langley were superbly organized, marketed and attended. A Crafty Affaire in South Surrey shows tremendous potential. Make It Vancouver continues to grow in scope and attendance. My hat is off to these talented people who conceptualize and realize these great markets. I know it's not easy, especially to do it so graciously as well. I really respect their dedication to promoting local artists and designers.
I learned a hard lesson too. Responding to an invite for a series of new Christmas markets, called "Made in BC," I learned that no matter how professional the application looks, or the apparent capabilities of the organizer, some people are strictly there to scam you. Losing several hundred dollars in application fees to shows that didn't happen is a bitter pill to swallow.
Looking ahead to 2012, I'm going to try for some of the even bigger shows - One of a Kind, the Harmony Arts Festival. With so much beautiful jewelry in Vancouver, it's hard to know if I stand a chance. However, my collage paintings got such a great response during the last few markets, I am continuing with them this year and will actually agree to sell them this time. I have also been learning how to do bookbinding, with the covers being smaller versions of my collages. I hope that by adding to what I have available beyond jewelry, then I can venture into new markets. At any rate, creating these have been a tremendous outlet when I need to take a break from jump rings and polishing.
That's pretty much it for now. I've been more of a recluse the last six months, except for going to markets. Maybe recluse is a bit strong - let's say I'm more selective about whom I spend time with. After a rather harsh comment about the future of a friendship at the end of the school year, I tend to keep to myself and my family. Ultimately, they are what matters most anyway, and I am so tired of the way a lot of women seem to treat each other. Frankly, it's no surprise that some of my best friendships in my life have been with men. They are not so quick to pass a damning judgement and terminate a friendship over some imagined slight.
Off to yoga now to find some inner zen, and to try to not fall over. Then back into the studio, to explore what possibilities await.
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