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I'm Making Lemonade...


 

Seven days ago, I was eagerly packing a cargo van full of artwork, so excited to get out on the road and sell some artwork.  I hadn't had a show since December and was really looking forward to my Spring show line-up. I had been watching the news like a hawk, knowing that it was only a matter of time before events around the US started to close down.  I knew there was a possibility of my Spring Art Fairs being cancelled.  But the Scottsdale Art Festival was sure to go on- they'd sent multiple emails assuring us of this. 

Two days of driving had made me unable to obsessively check the news, and by the time I got to Scottsdale I felt better than I'd felt in weeks- blissfully unaware that things were rapidly starting to change across the United States.  When I woke up on Thursday, I had seen that multiple other large art fairs had begun to cancel. We received one more email from the show's founder, assuring us that it was "business as usual" in the City of Scottsdale.  I checked in and began the arduous task of unloading the van.  I got the tent up and weights attached, just as someone made the rounds of the Civic Center, announcing that the event was canceled.

Cuss words and tears were plentiful. I felt defeated.  I  traveled for 14 hours to this show. I had spent my entire winter making new work.  I had spent all of my capital on booth fees for four incredibly prestigious shows, that I have been dreaming of getting into for years. And it was all starting to fall apart.

I woke up early the next morning and headed back to Denver.  Driving has always been a meditation for me, and as the panic and fear,subsided I began to see things a little more clearly. After a 14 hours drive, I got home to our little condo, taped a large piece of paper to the ground, and in the center wrote "I'M MAKING LEMONADE" then brainstormed all the ways that I am going to get through this: emotionally, spiritually, financially and artistically. 

Here's what I came up with:

  • I'll be working from home for the foreseeable future, and even giving up my shared studio space for the time being. 
  • Even though I'm giving up my studio, I'll be creating one new work of art each day, for the next thirty days, or for as long as this virus is a threat.  These pieces will be available as a digital download for just a few bucks.  They are unlimited in edition, however they will only be available for digital download during this crisis. 
  • I'll be posting these new pieces via email and social media, and they will be available for purchase with an immediate download here


I understand that this is a hard time for all of us.  Not just financially, but emotionally.  Even if you can't buy a piece right now, I hope that this work gives just a second of reprieve from our current situation.  Feel free to share this with others who might need a break, or be interested in supporting me!

I hope that all of you are staying  emotionally and physically healthy right now, and thank you for your support!


2 comments


  • Bonnie

    I feel your disappointment, but love your attitude. And your pieces are beautiful as well.


  • Nancie Connolly

    Lovely works – I am curious about the names of the insects that were the inspiration for each of the works. Your works clearly were a wonderful diversion. I’d love to know where you will be showing at a fair in Colorado, I recently relocated here.


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