This past weekend the Sunshine Coast where I live put on it's annual Art Crawl...it is a wonderful event where you can tour up and down our coast and visit over a 140 local artist's studios, group shows and galleries. There's a funny saying around these parts that there must be something in the water here that makes people highly creative...as we have one of the highest populations of artists and crafts people in Canada.
It was also a milestone weekend for me as this weekend was the first time ever that I have shown my Mouse Droppings art in a public place...and I have been creating my little characters for almost 14 years(has it been that long...WOW).
My art probably would have stayed out of public view had it not been for Lynn(thanks Lynn), our local rug hooking teacher who kicked my butt and told me to get my *#%$@*! out there and show my stuff!
A lot of folks got pretty emotional while looking at my critters and hooked rugs...they sparked a lot of conversations about the past, even a few teary eyes as they remembered the good old days...but best of all as I huddled behind my rug hooking frame I could watch folks turn the corner and see my work for the first time...they stood there and their faces lite up with these huge grins...they would walk a little closer and soak in the details...picking them up,turning them around. It really made my heart swell and it really brought home that this is why I've been making these things for so long...simply...they make people happy!
I do have to mention that I didn't have anything available for purchase...I decided to have a show and tell instead and I admit that I did this because I was really nervous of how folks would react to my work up here. I'm a hermit, and coming out the creative closet into a public space was a B I G deal for me, limiting my exposure by having less to see was my way of coping with a situation that made me feel uncomfortable.
Well I am pretty damn good at working myself into a nervous tizzy and I obviously completely misjudged folks and by the end of the week-end I was glowing and proud!
and then I realized that...you know what...you don't need people's approval...you are already a good and worthy person...be strong, be proud, have faith in yourself and your abilities and good things will happen.
Thank you to everyone who came out to see me this week-end...and thanks everyone for your patience with this very L O N G post.
"Sometimes its the small things that take up the most room in your heart."
Winnie the Pooh
Cheerios, Susan
PS...sorry for the low quality cell phone photos
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9 comments:
Congratulations! Your work is delightful.
Anytime you show your work the post is never too long!
Not long enough, I say. Congrats on the show and the smiles you brought.
Your work is beautiful ! I hope you do a craft fair , they can be so rewarding !
Wow, I loved seeing your collection of lovely items ! Glad you shared. Your work is beautiful.
Rose
Your work in amazing I have been following you for years, and I am so glad you opened your art spce to share with others. As well as opening your heart.
I covet all your work. Too bad I live in Ontario. I would have loved to be at your show and tell. Be proud of what you do as you are obviously very talented. I also rug hook and love the rug patterns you have chosen to produce.
It's long past time for you to see what joy your creations bring to others. I'm so glad you took this step, and big hugs for being brave, Susan!
HOw in the world would someone be able to make a choice! EVERYTHING is so INCREDIBLE! that wall hanging rug is Beyond! and your little pin cushions are the best. Congrats on your showing Susan your amazing.
So proud of you sis!!!! I love seeing all your critters on display for all to see!!!
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