Friday 10 July 2015

Dummy adorned. . .



I've been feeling a touch discouraged of late. I haven't sold much in the last month or so, and haven't had much response from the World concerning my work. Which is not all that surprising as the World probably hasn't seen much of it anyway, me being a reluctant self publicist and all. But I have put it on Pinterest, and on FB from time to time, but obviously not with enough conviction and not often enough.
I have been making stuff still, but I find the downside of having had a good response in the past, is that when the good response isn't sustained, you miss it, which can detract from the enjoyment you get from the process of making stuff. Ironic really, as if you hadn't had the good response in the first place, you would probably have just chugged along, doing your own thing, not feeling particularly disappointed or particularly elated. . .
So I have the dilemma of wanting to make stuff, but wanting that little bit of affirmation on top. But feeling reluctant to make anything if it isn't going to be noticed and the affirmation not be forthcoming.

Fragile artist ego stuff I'm afraid. Get over yerself etc.

Anyway, each time I make and list a necklace, I drape it over this rather wonderful old, 1960s (?) black plastic 1/4 size approx, display bust my ex was going to throw out, but that I rescued. I have sold several necklaces over the months, but there are good few still on there.
I always thought it looked pretty cool but had never got round to photographing it, until now. I'm intending to use these images on my website, when I actually construct it, but you get to see them first, lucky you ;-)

Who's that old git with a camera?

8 comments:

  1. Well, I think you're on the road to exposure and, most likely, some great sales, too. Sometimes it's good to take a break and do those things that you would like to do but too often don't allow yourself to do. I don't know if it was Cynthia Tinapple who, in one of her posts, recommended an online self-help course (free...with three sessions) called Oasis. I felt it was ridiculous when I was into the first ten minutes and was going to turn it off....but, some little thing inside me said...'let it be and listen to the end'. I did. Briefly, I identified several things in my life that have poisoned me into lethargy, depression of some sort, etc. It can help everyone put a fire under their arse. Just a little tip.

    But, your work is terrific. Start selling your work online...if no one sees it, no one buys it. It's wonderful and I would purchase it!!!! So, there ya go. Keep your head high, eyes to the sky and, remember, there's no limit to what one can do! Hope this all puts a smile on your heart.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks, Anonymous ;-)
      I totally get the lethargy and depression thing, though I don't think I get depressed as such, but I do get a kind of stasis, or inability to take a step I 'know' I should take, due to some kind of hard to define, and deep down fear or anxiety. As a lifelong freelancer, it's something I know well. I shall look up this 'Oasis' thing. I'll probably get loads of google results for the band of that name and the foam stuff you can poke flower stalks into that's also called 'Oasis'. . . but still, I shall persevere.
      I'm glad you like my work. My Etsy shop does OK for what it is, but I need to step up a level, which requires me to work out what that means, and how to do it ;-) Getting seen is the key, I agree.
      Thanks for taking the time to extend the hand of support, it has put a smile on my heart indeed ;-)
      best,
      Jon

      Delete
  2. I can soooo relate to your feelings. I too do not advertise and sooo get little accolades and subsequently less productivity. Maybe we need to leave the $ out of the equation..lol

    ReplyDelete
  3. BTW.. love your sense of humor!

    ReplyDelete
  4. just lost my reply and I can't be bothered to retype, sorry. Thanks for your comment. I know what you mean about trying to forget the $. Useful stuff though I find ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've just come across your stuff via Polymer Clay Daily which led me to have a good root around on Pinterest, Etsy etc. Love the way you make things which have modern aesthetic but look like ancient battered artefacts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Anon,
      The ancient/modern thing is what fascinates me. How a modern digital design can have these ancient echoes, and not just because of the faux aging process.

      Delete