As a frequenter of art/craft fairs, haha, I want to reiterate your points about display and pricing. If your table gets busy, there's a wall of humans blocking prospective buyers from seeing your work if there's no height to the display — I can't tell you how many times I've walked by a table, trying to make a mental note to go back later, because I couldn't see what was being sold. But inevitably, I don't make it back every time.
I love all of this, Carolyn! Before I saw that this post was by you, I saw the "cover image" and instantly recognized Aidan Koch's dreamy and distinctive work and clicked for that! I have everything she's ever published, but I wasn't aware of this new book, which I am promptly ordering. But I love what you say about creative ambition and how it ebbs and flows (but never goes away), and I loved reading about your tabling experience and seeing the photos! So wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
"When I entertain the idea of an alternate self with no creative ambition, I am still creating in private. My self-construct is too intertwined with a lifelong practice of journal keeping for me to willingly let it go." I resonated so much with your post, Carolyn! Congrats on your first market—it looked like a beautiful showing. I'm prepping for my own next month and it was nice to read your tips and thoughts.
Loved reading this, Carolyn. I find myself coming back to your beautiful sentence, just wow: "Over time I kept stripping down layers from these arbitrary goals to uncover the real truths of my desires—to be seen through my art, to have my art be of value (usually in the form of money), and to be in conversation with my artist heroes." That resonates so deeply - there really is a simple core underneath all these goals we can get caught up in. Will be reflecting on that for a good while! And I wish i lived closer by to come see your lovely work in person - congrats on your first art market :)))
As a frequenter of art/craft fairs, haha, I want to reiterate your points about display and pricing. If your table gets busy, there's a wall of humans blocking prospective buyers from seeing your work if there's no height to the display — I can't tell you how many times I've walked by a table, trying to make a mental note to go back later, because I couldn't see what was being sold. But inevitably, I don't make it back every time.
So true Phoebe! It's so hard to make it back!
I love all of this, Carolyn! Before I saw that this post was by you, I saw the "cover image" and instantly recognized Aidan Koch's dreamy and distinctive work and clicked for that! I have everything she's ever published, but I wasn't aware of this new book, which I am promptly ordering. But I love what you say about creative ambition and how it ebbs and flows (but never goes away), and I loved reading about your tabling experience and seeing the photos! So wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Kelcey! Aidan's work is so astounding. I hope you enjoy the new book!
"When I entertain the idea of an alternate self with no creative ambition, I am still creating in private. My self-construct is too intertwined with a lifelong practice of journal keeping for me to willingly let it go." I resonated so much with your post, Carolyn! Congrats on your first market—it looked like a beautiful showing. I'm prepping for my own next month and it was nice to read your tips and thoughts.
Your table setup looked amazing! I wish I could've stopped by :')
Loved reading this, Carolyn. I find myself coming back to your beautiful sentence, just wow: "Over time I kept stripping down layers from these arbitrary goals to uncover the real truths of my desires—to be seen through my art, to have my art be of value (usually in the form of money), and to be in conversation with my artist heroes." That resonates so deeply - there really is a simple core underneath all these goals we can get caught up in. Will be reflecting on that for a good while! And I wish i lived closer by to come see your lovely work in person - congrats on your first art market :)))
Thank you Emily!! Your comment is such a balm—I'm my words resonated with you!
Congrats on your first art market. What a great site for it!
plus, you got to hang out in the AMNH! AWESOMMMMME.
This is so cool. Thank you so much for sharing. Congratulations on your first art market! And I love your advice; very good to know!
Thank you dearly Yael!!
Struck me hard. I can't even put it into words right now except for the lightening bolt that has just knocked me flat. Thanks.
Ahh thank you Robin! ⚡️
Congrats on the art market! So wish I could have seen it irl. So cool <3
Wish you could've come <33
Your table looks amazing! Wish I knew about the event and went to visit!
Thank you Aram! The event sold out so fast, I hope they do more events like this for Korean culture!
This resonates ever so loudly and inspiring.