This year flew by and I haven’t even had a chance to catch my breath yet. Oddly enough, it started with a distinct lack of painting. All of the work I had put into painting and my blog had fizzled out since the end of 2019. I had experienced a lot of traumatic family hardships since then that was only compounded by the pandemic. It took me until this summer to finally start to feel creative and productive again.
Me and my bestie decided to try out farmers markets this year. She was selling plant starts and veggies and I very tentatively started selling my originals. At first I really didn’t put very much effort into selling, but as I started to actually make sales, my confidence grew and I finally took the plunge into making prints and then stickers. Once I started with the prints, I also started getting better at selling my work and even started to enjoy all of the events. The biggest market we did was the Market on Center, which was usually pretty decent, but since it’s in its first years its still a little small. I think the best part has just been the connections I’ve made. Due to those connections I’ve been able to build my art into a real business.
We spent the whole summer vending at markets in Moab, Monticello, and La Sal. I didn’t always do great at each event, but a lot of the markets we did were in their first years and not well known. We’ve talked a bit about doing larger shows in bigger cities, but it’s a big commitment, assuming we even get in. This is something we’re definitely going to explore more in 2022. I think I’m going to try to focus more on art events too. While I did ok at the random markets, I definitely did substantially better at art specific events. I also think fewer events would work to my advantage too. I was at an event every single week, and sometimes two or three in a week. It was exhausting. I think being more selective about events would be a better use of my time.
At an event early on I got an invitation to put my work in Moab Made. It’s a shop of locally made art that has everything from original art, cards, stickers, to jewelry and clothing. It’s a pretty awesome collection of local artists I’m I’m honored to now be one of them. My sales haven’t been killer, but I only had a small collection of items available. This next year I will do a better job of keeping them stocked. I did however, sell a painting for $600! It was my biggest sale to date and I’m absolutely floored that it happened. I’m grateful to the wonderful person who thought my art was worth so much. It is incredibly validating as an artist to make a sale like that.
In October I attended the Red Rock Arts Festival as a vendor. I got a lot of questions as to why I didn’t participate in the plein air even the festival is focused around. The main reason I didn’t do it this year was simple intimidation. There are a lot of amazing artists participating each year and I’m not sure my plein air skills are good enough. Also, not enough artists signed up for the competition so it was called off. I think I’m going to try to participate next year though. Plein air painting in general is something I would really like to get better/more confident in. I get asked all the time if I do it, and I feel dumb saying I don’t. I think I just need to do it.
The next big event was the MARC Holiday Arts and Craft Fair. It’s a two day event that happens every December and culminates with a light parade. I’ve been wanting to do this event for a few years, not even realizing what would go into it. I’m glad this was my first year. I don’t think I would’ve done as well before now. The event was amazing! I loved getting to meet all of the veteran artisans and having tons of great conversation. I ended up doing really well at the event and I’m really excited to return next year.
Finally, the biggest news of the year is getting into Gallery Moab. I hung my work the first week in December and I’m so very proud of myself for finally achieving this goal. This is something I’ve been working towards for the last decade. I had an opportunity to join a few years ago, but I didn’t feel ready for it. This time I was definitely ready. I’ll be working a few days a month in the gallery and I’m excited for the busy season ahead. Right now it is dead, but one of my paintings and at least one print sold. I’m really excited about this coming year!
Cheers! To an amazing new year.