This past Redbud Festival in Three Rivers got me reminiscing. (I love that song by the Little River Band. I love the Little River Band.)
The very first one I ever participated in was in 1987. I shared a space with my friend Katie. She sold silk-screened tee shirts with a Redbud logo of her design. Her boyfriend had just broken up with her, and she had to keep leaving our space to cry. (That ex-boyfriend visited my booth this year – we have remained great friends, but sad to say I’ve lost touch with Katie.)
I took no photos. I traded one drawing for our rent, and another for a pottery lamp. (George, can I please PLEASE have that drawing back? I’ll give you 2 lamps for it!!)
The next time I participated was in 1990. The show was still at Ardfarkle’s, the former restaurant at the Three Rivers Golf Course. I took a photo of some hairy good-looking guy sitting in my booth.
I think I sold some things. I also learned that shows are often about making contacts more than making sales. I definitely learned to NEVER put pencil drawings framed under glass in direct sun. Now I only do outdoor shows if I am in shade. Those pop-up tents weren’t invented back then, or perhaps they were just too expensive. That hairy good-looking guy built me an awning, which worked when the sun was at the exact right angle.
Things remain constant in my life, with small changes:
I’m still drawing (and now painting) the same subjects: The Kaweah Post Office, Farewell Gap, cabins, the Oak Grove Bridge, and even the old Mineral King Store. I borrowed that round table so much that my Mom finally gave it to me. (It is now used for propping up easels while I paint.) And that (somewhat less) hairy guy still picks wild iris to enhance my booth each year I participate in the Redbud Festival.
Is your life consistent? or is it just me?
Very truly yours,
The Consistent (Central) California Artist
4 Comments
Hi! I am getting caught up after a month (phew) of not reading your blog. May is like December… Just had to tell you that I love Little River Band too. And it is very fun to reminisce. I reminded my kids (twins are juniors in college and Natalia will be in 7th) that you were my “babysitter” even when I was in High School, yes? Haha! Life is different in the sticks where it is dark and there are lots of orange trees and places to hide…You were really just my friend coming to hang out, right! 🙂
Oh absolutely, Deb! I felt guilty every time your dad paid me and I would argue with him and he would win. My point was that I loved being with you and it was weird to get paid. His point was that I had to be with you on his terms so it wasn’t the same as just hanging out. Those times built the foundation of a life-long friendship. P.S. I have no earthly idea what I would have done if we had found ourselves in some sort of a bad situation out there in the groves and felt your dad’s confidence in me was somewhat misplaced.
I just love your blog. I read every post, admire all your work & try not to covet it. I send your link on to family & friends. Of course, anyone that walks in my house must take a tour of your art. B & I treasure the pieces that we have.
Thanks!
katie
Katie, thank you so much for your kind comment! It used to make me embarrassed when my friends bought my work – now I am profoundly appreciative. And you do have one of the best pieces I’ve ever ever painted – I poured my heart into that Snowy Sequoia! Thank you again for sharing the link. Writing the blog is just as much fun as drawing and painting – who knew??
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