Friday, May 16, 2008

Show Applications


Brocade Garland Collar
blackened silver and 18K



When I first started my jewelry collection, I had only the faintest idea about craft shows. One of the first shows I visited was the Philadelphia Museum Craft Show. I had heard that this was one of the premier shows in the country, so I talked a couple of my students into taking the Chinatown bus to Philly with meto check it out. Looking at the show, I realized just what standard I had to seek in my work. My students were adamant that I belonged there, but I knew that I had a lot of work to do, and knew that they were just a little bit biased.

That was in 2002, and I have applied every year since. At first I had a huge amount of optimism, and was crushed when I didn't get in. As I got to more more and more people in the craft world, I realized that this is a show that even the best don't count on getting into. Instead of getting down about it, I used this as a motivation to keep pushing my work. I told myself that I would make work that it would be impossible for the jury to ignore.

Well, the results of the jury were e-mailed yesterday. I was astounded to see that the title of the e-mail in fact said "Invite Notification". What!?! Yes, I have gotten into the show!! It is not until November, but I am already thinking excitedly of all of the fantastic pieces I am going to make for the show. Collectors beware, I am marshaling all of my creative energies to entice you....

3 comments:

Christine Kloostra said...

Congrats Natasha... and all of your experience at the Convention Center will come in SO handy!

We'll see you there, though we'll miss you in Philly this summer!

- Christine
www.americancraft.com

Christine said...

Congratulations Natasha - you so deserve this honor.
Christine
Boston

Jeni Buckingham said...

Congratulations! Although you may not have intended to, you've encouraged me in my own pursuit of fine art shows. I naively applied to many of the better shows this (this year is my first to try), and have gotten so many rejections. I didn't realize how competitive and coveted these shows are!

Thanks for showing what steeling your will can look like (accidental pun).

~Jeni B