Hooray! Today I did the finishing details on a necklace that will be in Craftwear at the August League of NH Craftsmen's Fair in Sunapee, NH. I have been working on it for several months and after the delays and distractions of the first half of summer, it is especially sweet to have it finished. All that is left is photographing and delivering it. I am always anxious whenever I drop off a new work. Having put so much of myself into it, I hope others will appreciate it and see some of what I see in it. It is the big "unveiling." Usually, most feedback is positive and constructive. I have learned that I am (and should be) my harshest critic. If I am satisfied with the results, the piece is successful.
In addition to any trepidation of sharing my work with others, there is also the sense of parting that comes with finishing a work and releasing it to the world. More than once, I have worked right up to my deadline and then sold the piece in the exhibit, never to see it again. That is a permanent separation. Even if the work does not sell immediately, once it is completed, I am no longer actively engaged with it. While finishing a work is a terrific feeling, there is the loss of that daily challenge, and the anticipation of how it will evolve.
I think that is what drives me to be an artist, the thrill of discovery as an individual work takes shape in my hands. That may also be why I usually have several projects in various stages, so I can move from a completed project to another piece in process. Sometimes it feels a bit disjointed, but it staves off artist block and keeps me moving forward!
To see my latest works, "Mermaid's Hair" and "Guinevere," check out the Fair August 4-12. I'll post photos when the Fair ends!
In addition to any trepidation of sharing my work with others, there is also the sense of parting that comes with finishing a work and releasing it to the world. More than once, I have worked right up to my deadline and then sold the piece in the exhibit, never to see it again. That is a permanent separation. Even if the work does not sell immediately, once it is completed, I am no longer actively engaged with it. While finishing a work is a terrific feeling, there is the loss of that daily challenge, and the anticipation of how it will evolve.
I think that is what drives me to be an artist, the thrill of discovery as an individual work takes shape in my hands. That may also be why I usually have several projects in various stages, so I can move from a completed project to another piece in process. Sometimes it feels a bit disjointed, but it staves off artist block and keeps me moving forward!
To see my latest works, "Mermaid's Hair" and "Guinevere," check out the Fair August 4-12. I'll post photos when the Fair ends!