Jury Duty

On Sunday I am to take four pieces of jewelry to be juried for the daily market at Granville Island. The jury is held only once every two years. Two years ago, I was tempted but knew that even though my work was pretty, it wasn't up to snuff for the artisans on Granville Island. Frankly, I am nervous about my chances this time too. The competition is fierce and the quality of the artists is outstanding.

Any jury is nervewracking though. Here you are, being judged on whether your work is good enough to sell. They say yes, and wow - big sigh of relief, validation, "They really like me...." You get told "no" though and it's hard to not take it personally. It is a huge blow to one's ego, to one's motivation to keep going. You question whether to keep slogging away at something that means so much and wonder if anyone will ever think it's good enough. It is difficult to sometimes keep that professional distance - to understand that you are not being judged, that it is simply not the right venue for your work. And the problem is too that there is no explanation given when you are told no. It would be nice to know that your worked was liked, but there weren't enough open spaces, that it's not suited for the market, that something.....but it's just NO.

Vancouver is a very competitive jewerly marketplace. There are a lot of designers and they are very good. And while I know that what I make is definitely unique, it is also a more difficult sell. Finding the right venue can be a challenge, and remembering that the jury process is there to make sure that you are successful at the market can help ease the blow of rejection. Let's hope that I remember my own words when I get my answer next week.

Overall, I do prefer markets that jury - even if I don't get in, and especially when I do. It does mean that there is a certain standard that sets the market above just the "first come first served" venue. The customers have a higher expectation and are more likely to appreciate the artistry of the vendors ( and accordingly, shop). They are not there just looking for a bargain or some inexpensive imported bauble to keep the kids quiet for a few minutes.

So....we shall see what happens next week. I won't have an answer right away on Sunday and will have to wait a few days. I'm taking four carefully chosen pieces - "Blooms", a new piece from the Alchemy collection, "Vintage Punk," and .....torn between two others.

There's always 2013.

Well, it's been over a month since I posted my last comments. Oops! Been busy though and took some time off to go to the Okanagan for the Penticton Ironman. Not me...my husband's 6th time through. And despite the terrific downpour - last year it was a fierce windstorm that threatened to blow our pulled pork off the table - we all had a great day. We managed to get a nearly dry table to chow down at Piggy's. Yeah - it's all about the food, forget the race! He's all signed up again for next year. Done some more markets and just spent the weekend at the Harrison Hot Springs Castle and Crafts market. The weather was amazing and as always - some fabulous feedback from all of you who stopped at the table. The collaging and soldering are where it is at for me! I've got some great new ideas to keep going with the Brambles collection - incorporating some glass and gems into the flowers. I've got whacks more tile and will be doing a lot more with the toile pieces and chainmaille. In November I am signed up for a silversmithing course which I am very excited about. I've already told them that I am there to learn to make some big honking rings! Can't wait to incorporate the silversmithing into all the vintage pieces. I am looking forward to attending the Winter Fab Fair in Vancouver too - that's on Sunday November 23 for me - the show runs Saturday and Sunday though. On the Saturday, I will be at the Mompreneur show in Vancouver so it should be a great weekend all round. But first some more fun - off to Disneyland at the end of the month, then a parents -only getaway to Vegas Baby! Kids are back in school - loving it - (they are, not just me!) Ok - I really should be getting out the art clay - it's time to play with some silver! Take care,
C.

New Stock is Coming

Had a fabulous weekend - the Township 7 market - despite a drizzly start - was a great event. The sun came out, there was a great band, we had a glass of wine, and really good people there. And trust me, the wine is very nice. If you get a chance to visit the winery or see it listed on a menu - give them a try - I really like the Syrah and the Cab was great too. Also sold some pieces to a very chic boutique in Cloverdale, La Belle Vie. The toile tile pendants are now on sale in the shop and off my site. Will be looking for some more vintage, toile, italian, just funky tiles to solder into more pendants and charms for bracelets. I've restocked with other trinkets though so there will be a new crop of pieces coming to the web soon. Can't wait to make some more collages - and I've been feeling a bit frisky lately so there may be some sensual content.....not smutty - flirty, coy, sexy. As anyone who knows me will attest - I am a total flirt. BTW - we did do the pirate pack thing the other night and my daughter, the bottomles pit, polished off one and then promptly ordered another - and ate that too. She's getting expensive to feed - we're going for sushi tomorrow and I know that she will be ordering a buffet for herself. And no, she's not fat - she is very active with sports and has a jacked up metabolism. So jealous.....