Being new to the area, on 11th August I joined the Aberdeen Artists Society (AAS). Several days later while looking for art fairs in Scotland to try to exhibit at, I discovered that there was an annual art fair in Aberdeen between 30th August and 1st September. However, the deadline for applications was in March(!), and all places were obviously taken. I was naturally disappointed that I was so late to the scene.
Since there was a block-booking by AAS for a number of the available stands at the fair, I thought I would just message them in the very remote chance that there was a cancellation. The following week, Sunday, I woke up to discover an email back from AAS admin that there had been a cancellation – and anyone interested in taking it should reply. I couldn’t believe my luck and responded immediately – and asked for further details. At this point in time, I didn’t know I would get it – but was excited to be at least in with a chance… Later in the day I learned I could have it – a 3-metre stand (@2.4m high) and snapped it up. I had less than two weeks to prepare what I was going take. I have some number-ones of limited-edition artworks – which I like to keep for myself – and so I set about making additional copies of them (with frames). And I researched and bought a portable LED light panel to illuminate my “Long-eared Owl (Art Puzzle) – (You Are What You Eat) – Stained Glass”. This worked really well at the exhibition – and help draw people to my stand (when it wasn’t completely blocked).
It was a very busy couple of weeks preparing for the exhibition, but I naturally wanted to make the most of this opportunity. I especially thought I should take all my hand-cut original thick solid oak art puzzles – that have never been seen in public before. These are large and heavy – too heavy for the provided hanging system – so I had to quickly source suitable ones of my own.
Friday afternoon of the 30th was the setting up time – with a private viewing scheduled between 6-9pm. I was a bit late in starting but managed to complete my stand just after 6pm – when the guests (and friends of exhibitors) starting to arrive…
My L-shaped 3m space (2m + 1m) was adjacent to a 2m stand jutting out at a right angle – which made the space ridiculously tight – effectively walled on three sides. It made putting up and taking down the artworks difficult because we were in each other’s way. This, coupled with my neighbour having a table at the mouth of our pitches – and who seemed to know everyone – and they all stopped for a nice long chat – meant that my pod was practically completely blocked a lot of the time…
I sold some pieces – including one to a former art curator (who said quietly to me “…this is the best work here…”) – so that was very nice.
The genuine deep fascination of some people, very close inspection (by those who could get through!), and the very kind words – like “…these are absolutely incredible…”, “…it’s really made my day to come out and see your work…”, “…this is the best stand…”, “…this is my favourite stand…” – was incredibly, and indelibly, nice to hear – and extremely encouraging. I felt my artwork brought a little joy and thought-provocation to some of the people…
It was also really nice to share the experience with my fellow exhibiting artists, and to share stories of our journeys, trials, and tribulations. For so long I have worked in complete isolation of other artists – and so it was especially good to get feedback from my peers…
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