Open Studio Joy

I’m writing this early in the morning before the final day of our summer Open Studio at Barn Studios where I paint with four other artists. Painting is often a solitary activity and I’m very happy in my own company. My artwork is mostly about peace and calm. The last few weeks have been the opposite if that. It’s been a busy time selecting which work to hang, how to have something on offer for a range of budgets and then how to use my tiny studio space to present it well. Then there’s the publicity- sharing on social media but also sharing information with friends and family. It’s the first time I’ve done an open studio and I already have notes to inform how to do it better next time.

The last three days have been a whirlwind. Lots of visitors… how many? Well we stared with  steady numbers on Thursday and Friday… yesterday we were packed and lost count. We’ve had some great sales and even better the conversations; these were often with other artists but for me the joy was in listening to the comments about my work. Most of us need affirmation in some way and at the beginning I asked myself what would success look like? And I decided to have people through the door and get some idea of how people feel about my work. Sales? Well, I thought that would be lovely but I really wasn’t sure. Three days on I’ve been blown away by some of the reactions- how quickly some people know they want to make a purchase but just as importantly how my work instils a feeling of calm in others and the excitement of my colour choices.

Today is Sunday and unlike yesterday it’s not raining… It’s quiet in the studio. Soon my fellow artists will arrive and as I reflect on the last week I realise how well we’ve worked together to make it happen- the curation of works, delight in seeing each others’ display, the signage, food and drinks, and a few laughs along the way.

If you were unable to make it please have a look on Instagram to see more of how it all unfolded.

@janbond_art

@barn_studios_