Three months before the show: I’m invited to be the August artist at Conn Creek Winery‘s Conn Artist Series. Brainstorming for a series begins, but doesn’t take long. For a while I had been wanting to work on a series of “portraits” of my vintage camera collection.
The following two months, in between going to markets, keeping up inventory, and filling custom orders, I work my way through photographing my cameras one by one. The deadline of August 12 feels ages away. Editing photos is done sporadically and in small portions.
One month to go I realize the show is really not that far off and there is still so much work to do. I buckle down a bit more and manage to get enough photographs taken to have plenty of material to work on for the show. I figure out a rough layout plan so I know how many final pieces to aim for. Spreading the word about the show includes email promotions, a Facebook event, newspaper ads, and TONS of word of mouth to anyone I could tell.
Two weeks before the show panic sets in. Why do I leave so much work to do so close to a deadline? I know it will only cause extra stress, but I can’t seem to avoid it. Marathon editing ensues and final image selections are made. Printing and matting of over a dozen 20x24s and several 11x14s and 8x10s gets done. Greeting cards are designed, printed, and packaged. Artist statement is written. Title plaques are printed and mounted. Intense efforts are made to make sure people know when and where the show will be held.
One week before the show I realize my extra efforts are paying off and my stress and panic eases considerably. I finalize how the show will be displayed and make a list of all materials needed to set up the show. A time is scheduled to hang a few pieces early. Final reminders about the show are sent out.
The day before the show I head to the winery and spend an hour hanging a few pieces behind the tasting bar. I return home and load the car with everything needed for the big day. I make sure my camera and phone are fully charged.
The Big Day I get up and get ready for the day, choosing an outfit that would allow me to wear flip flops (there’s no way I’m standing on a tiled floor in uncomfortable shoes for 6+ hours!). I arrive at the winery a little over an hour before opening to finish setting up the show. Everything goes smoothly and I’m ready for the day in plenty of time. All day long, friends, family, acquaintances, and total strangers show up and enjoy the show. I have a fantastic time talking about the photographs and my camera collection, and even manage to make some sales. Eventually, the one-day show concludes and I pack everything up and head home to have a wonderful evening with some family and friends.
For those of you that were able to make it to the show I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there. For those of you that were unable to make it, I thank you too for the support you’ve shown me. I love what I do and I love sharing it with all of you. It overjoys me to know that you also enjoy my art.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
This is where I set up the smaller prints and greeting cards.
Right: Me and my good friend Liz
You can see some of my prints hanging behind the bar.
Right: My husband, me, and my mom.
If you missed the show you can still see the entire collection in my Vintage Cameras gallery here on my website. This collection of images represents only a portion of my current camera collection. As I continue to collect cameras, this series of images is bound to grow as well!
Looks like a great time! Congrats on all your hard work paying off… Beautiful shots!
Thanks so much Anika!