Does This Slide Make Me Look Fat?

CALL FOR ENTRY

Images for Call for Entries usually have specific stuff... for many online entries the image has a specific size, and the canvas size (o yeah, gotta learn that one too!) and a certain number of images. 

Well, as I work on stepping up my game on exhibits, shows and record keeping (another reason my smart phone is an investment in my business) collection of images becomes more and more important.

Things to consider:

Body of Work

You may be a very talented person, have a reasonable list of techniques, media, skills and yet.. a call for entry is not that. Choose images for a body of your work that applies to the specific exhibit/show.  Check out continuity.. and i realize i am pushing that one here. The first image is not connected to the other three.. it should not be part of the display. Remember, the jurors may not know you or any part of your work. so your best presentation is one where you can represent within 3-5 images a work that is relevant, connected and shows your best work.

 The colors, graphics and presentation of the last three images are more relevant to a body of work than adding the first, even tho i did this work and i do kinda like it!

I recently entered a few competitions (crossing my fingers!!!) that is not a weaving show, not a craft exhibit but a competition that will require strong graphic imagery and skills. The Mixed Media work i've been working on is a good fit, i think. I hope!
After sitting on a few juries, I have learned to accept rejection better (never my strong point! Afterall, I am a Capricorn!) Not all jurors have good insight, not all jurors are too critical. It is just the one moment for the one exhibit. There will be more opportunities, more artwork and other people that view my work.

Consider the show you are entering.

If the show is known for a particular style (beach folks often like beach themes... not exclusively but often) or you have juried in with a specific image, consider focusing on that image. 

entering a show in the Appalachian Mountains, I like to have scarves, wraps and such. The works above are not that.. below are my regular sale items...

Wraps, shawls and scarves seem to be a good choice for craft shows. and all of these weavings give me the chance to share color, composition and structure. These warps usually have the story of how they came to become fabric and it is a great experience to share those stories! 

If at all possible, get feedback on the show or shop. Go as a visitor and have a good time at the show. Join some craft groups- many are online now. Some of my best shows are outside, though i have sworn to never do outside shows almost every year. (yep, jurying again this year!). Weather is tricky, though when the weather is the "right kind" then it makes all the difference in sales and building a good customer base. Here's to a good spring, summer and fall!

T

Great Nuts

Scaly Bark Nut and glass beads

Yep. It's been pretty nutty lately. Been working on the stickiest warp ever (i think i shared that s and z twist scenario-- makes great cloth and always, without exception, raddle that sucker on!)
Grantville has become a bit overwhelming so at night, when i am listening to music and having purry time with the cats, it's time to drag out the stuff that i find when i am out walking.

Collecting rocks, stones and anything that is in my path has been an ongoing thing -- back from the days my Dad and I used to hang out in the Mojave Desert. We were pretty good rock hounds and were always picking up something that would fit in our pockets. And when I worked in WinstonSalem, there were several old buildings coming down that ejected some nice treasures out onto the sidewalk- especially that typewriter place! Got some nice letters there!

coconut and copper with glass beads

I have walnut trees, scaly bark trees, chinqua penn chestnut trees and have a collection of coconut chips. The occasional piece of rusty or melted metal and glass adds a nice weight and texture so it often gets in the mix

Walnut with glass beads, bronze beads
and semiprecious stone chips

I have some papers that i have treated with acrylic gel to add, too. These will be part of the mixed media found object jewelry workshop I'll be offering in April. Should be lots of fun and I expect some new sparkly and shiny things to sell and to wear!