Where to start? I couldn't make it to the wholesale show on wednesday, but that turned out for the best, as I wound up spending an exhausting 5 hours at retail this past friday. First of all: EMPTY. I felt bad for the artists, especially the first timers, because this was seriously un-busy. In years past, I've had to shove my way past crazy cat ladies and bougie skinny jeaned elitists. This year: elbow room. Plus side to the no doubt recession-induced emptiness: most everyone was more than willing to humor the overeager art major from a state school. jackpot. This show is so much more interesting when you have a semblance of an idea as to how things are made. patinas! soldering! casting! I could make that! well, sorta. So, despite Janet warning us of card-thievery, I couldn't help myself at points. Here's a list of the people that both inspired and crushed my will to go on:
Pause. All my stolen cards are at my parent's house. So until I can get those, I'm going to try and wing it.
Alt Craft -
Sustainable little head accessories.
I wanted to go home and make my own.
Sweet and simple (mostly) silver jewelry.
Also, I think Suzi worked with her?
I bought this quirky (cough hipster) little men's shirt-turned-skirt and suspenders combo from a sweet girl (can't remember her booths name!) who received her AA in professional craft down in NC. Ah, to live in that crafty-ass state. Also, this provided mayjah hope for the individual who may be a little concerned about her degree
getting her anywhere (me). Only talent and motivation required, kids. I'll post her site as soon as I can.
OK enough of the alt craft. The following people made me want to cry.
Gorgeous stuff. Lots of oxidized silver with copper accents. And wicked sweet, what with the humoring me and all. I really enjoyed the simplicity of her work. Her friend also had some stuff in the booth; her cast wishbones were cute, if not a little trendtastic.
gahhhk
Twenty minutes spent talking with her? I'm in love. Also, her mother works for her - adorable, excitable, hilarious woman - which my own mom decided was her life's calling as well. Girlfriend's stuff was kick ass. Everything was hand fabricated, plus some crazy cast-wax neckpieces. She lamented over having to compete with the high end mass-cast stuff (this was her first year at ACC) and went in to total detail about her techniques and materials. Basically, her stuff was like wearable sculptures. Very interesting ideas for pseudo-chains as well.
drool
Elaine Ware was hilarious, told me a TON, and bitched with me about the aforementioned bougie/skinny jeaned/snobby types that give you the side-eye when you try to ask them a question.
So yea, I spent all day at the convention center, just like every other year. My notebook is full of scratches and I'm not sure if my feet have totally recovered yet.
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PS: I womanned up and committed to a slide! here it is so far:
red blood cell inspired pattern
