- Published on
This was my second year invited to show my work as part of the Smithsonian Museum Craft2Wear exhibition and sale. Unlike the larger spring Smithsonian Museum show, Craft2Wear is considerably smaller in size, more narrowly curated to present only "wearables" - clothing, jewelry and accessories. From a large pool of national applicants, only 80 artists were selected this year. It's definitely an honor to make the cut.
While this year's show was not as successful for me in terms of raw sales numbers (it would have been hard to exceed last year's incredible results), I've now been at this long enough to look beyond mere sales as a measure of success. So how else to measure?
Affirmation
My work is very specific and not for everyone. Not everyone looks to their jewelry to make a "statement." My work makes a statement. Each piece is unique, one-of-a-kind and never repeated. I like to say I have too many ideas to spend time repeating things. The next idea always beckons.
Experience suggests that my sales most often take place when one particular piece resonates with a customer. They see it, are drawn to it, try it on and pull the trigger. Yes they may occasionally try on alternatives, usually at the request of a shopping partner who doesn't necessarily understand the visceral response they've witnessed. But if the price is within reach, the sale is often made. Folks who wander in and try on lots of things (which I always encourage because I love to see the work on a human rather than on a display piece) are much less likely to leave with a purchase. No judgement on my part. Simply observation. But what anyone can offer when viewing my work is affirmation and that can take several forms. Perhaps it comes as real attention to what they are looking at, interesting, thoughtful questions about materials, construction, inspiration, etc. Perhaps it's the shared recognition that what they are looking at is a reflection of my creativity, my mastery of technique and the effort I put into making the work and bringing it for them to view. THOSE are things I received endlessly and for which I am endlessly grateful. Affirmation can also be banked. It buoys my spirit and sends me enthusiastically back to the studio to create more new work. Thank you to all.
