Thursday 4 June 2009

Aftermath of the Bath and West...


Many apologies for not blogging as frequently as I should, but it has been a busy week workwise and a very difficult week personally; but that is another story.

Well, we came, saw, and eventually conquered the Royal Bath and West after a fashion. The first day was the usual freezing, sideways rain type day that we're more than used to there, so that effectively put the kybosh on proceedings. The second day floored us though, we didn't sell a thing. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Diddlysquat. In all our years of doing any type of show this was the first time that that had ever happened. Feather and knocking over are words that spring to mind. Not even a card. It was rather demoralizing, but we still gave promotional leaflets out to give ourselves something to do and soften the blow.  The third day was fair, but it wasn't until the last day that things finally took off. It was probably the notice we put up saying ' Last day sale-£5 of all glassware' that did it. We got mobbed. Honestly. A proper Harrods-style, 'sharpen your elbows up Ma, I'm going in' type frenzy! Mike and I got pushed up against the walls at one point. I got an attack of the giggles (always helpful in any given situation heh?) because it was so weird and scary, and we did more then than all three previous days. Amazing scenes. That one day paid for all out goings and left a little bit over, so all is well as they say.

One good thing that came from this show as ever, is the commissions, projects and collaborations that spring up from interested parties.  I had a very intriguing conversation with a chap who is trying to get a big art venture off the ground at Poole's waterfront. He liked my works and I liked his energy so hopefully something may come of that. The dog portraits went down well too, so that should be a nice little tick over for months to come. Should keep me busy anyway.

The painting is the work in progress I posted earlier. I finally felt like picking up my paintbrush again today and made inroads into the sky. I still need to deepen up the dark clouds but it is definitely taking shape nicely. Hope you like it... even if I have painted over the background drips that most people liked! Lol. Enjoy.....

6 comments:

Norma Pugh said...

As a visitor on the wet day, I appreciate how bad the weather was, but how great it all picked up in the end. Love the seascape - it has a wonderful brooding quality of impending storm. Or is it nearly over? Not sure. Keep on with your great work, you wonderful pair! Love Mems and Peps xxx

Serena said...

Dear Mems and Peps,
Weather was awful..... but the fudge was great!
I think the storm is going- well you know me! And it will be a lovely blue sky a-coming!
Thank you for the kind comments as ever!! X

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarena Love the seascape...glad it worked out over at Boogie street harry did not have a good show as the event eas not well organized, at least you made some money...
Had my degree show preview last night, lots of interest and good feedback
I am a Artist!!!
Pool sounds interesting must let us now if he wants more artists...
try twitter for shoet comments...good for art networrdculking

Serena said...

Heya Chris,
glad everything is going well for you- you deserve it with all the hard work you have put in. Thanks for the thumbs up on the seascape- I know you have a penchant for them yourself! Will nod you if anything comes from Poole- haven't tried twitter yet... may have to take a peek!

~Babs said...

Awww there went my drips!
But worth it in the end to see all the drama playing out in that sky! Stunning, my dear one, just stunning!
I hope the storm is over for you,,yes, I feel blue skies coming your way,,,I surely do!
Terrible weather for a show, but sounds as though it paid off in the long run. Worth it all are the possible opportunities!
I am still grinning over the "sharpen the elbows" thing. I never heard that before, but I love it! Paints a perfect picture!

Serena said...

Sorry Babs!! The drips 'bought it!' glad you still like it though- if it's any consolation I did feel guilty covering them over! (But we did need some blue sky coming our way.)
Glad the show is over- I can get back to checking out your ATC's. I'll need to sharpen my elbows I reckon to get into your shop!! xx