Sunday, December 07, 2008

Something to Be Learned

I was asked to make as a donation to benefit the Waldorf School, some sauerkraut. I carved and printed labels too. Here are the pints waiting for their ride.

I like to think there is something to be learned from a fiasco. Maybe fiasco isn't the right word, since that implies crazy mix ups, possibly some ironic humor, or a badly dramatic situation. So maybe my experience at the Winterfest was just flat bad. I had thought I was being cleaver by sharing a table with someone who has many connections in the community, this I was sure would bring some buyers my way. Unfortunately my half table was ill positioned and it seemed to me nothing could be done about it, so I didn't complain. We were outside and the table shape was an L, with the toe of the L against a wall. My part was the foot of the L. As far as real estate goes this was certainly a fine and private place, but almost hidden by the display trees of my table mate. The area where my potential customers might be standing and merrily looking through charming prints was encroached upon the chairs of my neighbor, although I made a point of telling them that I needed to maintain a clear access to my area. I made some signage and put my most fetching print on the wall, hoping Hugo and Miss Eve would reel in the buyers. Action was minimal. People, who I know, seemed not to recognize me behind the table, or thought I had some hand in making the misshapen, but  popular felt creations of my table mate. It is not as if I didn't sell a thing, I did sell 2 prints and 11 mini pics. I may live in a rabbit centered universe, but rabbits, it would appear are not universally popular. Yes, this is a shocking realization. One little girl wouldn't even look at the bunnies, even though urged by her grandmother, because  she was a "dog person". Lessons learned: 1-get your own table. 2-educate the public on how these prints are made. Everything is so instant and accessible it takes some knowledge to appreciate "Slow Art". I had made  slide show to this end, but couldn't show it because there wasn't power available. 3-Maybe offer a few non-rabbit prints (ouch). 4-Boyfriend urges me to add that I mustn't let myself be pushed around.
Close-up of sauerkraut. Labels attached with rubber bands from the New York Times.

18 comments:

Crafty Green Poet said...

sorry things didn't go so well there, it is a sorry fact though that not everyone lives in a bunny centred universe.

I love the new banner image btw

Crafty Green Poet said...

sorry things didn't go so well there, it is a sorry fact though that not everyone lives in a bunny centred universe.

I love the new banner image btw

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

What kind of weirdos don't like bunnies? Ignore them. They're obviously not worth your time.

RG said...

Amen ... what a bunch of weirdos there. Obviously you need a marketing plan, something to light up the universe ... How about somebody in a bunny suit going around touting your location and wares?

OK .. back to back row again.

ANyway better luck next time.

Saw some pretty Spots at the little Rabbit show here!

We have some real nice Gdaughters at the Waldorf School in Marin County .. not sure where it is - they live in MillValley. I bet they would like that saurkraut ..!

Glenna said...

Mmmm--I'd buy the sauerkraut just for the labels. And I love your new banner.

I have picked up on the fact that there are some people who misguidedly do not realize that we do live in a bunny centered universe. They are to be pitied. BF's 85-y-old mother used to have a handy and wise saying for such situations: "they can kiss my ass," which is always a hoot coming from the lips of a sweet little old lady.

Ouch on the lessons.

And the size of Elvis and Pink: the photo lies there (I think it has something to do with aspect, which makes distant things look closer and larger than they are), and also, Elvis has Big Hair, so he looks larger than he is. They weigh exactly the same, to the ounce--or at least they did two months ago when they went to the vet. They're shaped differently under their fur though.

Glenna said...

And I guffawed at the "misshapen, but popular felt creations." I'd love to see a picture of them.

Glenna said...

AND as far as not letting oneself get pushed around, well, I have not had very good luck at growing the requisite sharp elbows and body armor it takes to thrive in today's world. When stuff like that happens to me, I am generally speechless with dismay and way too polite, even if I am seething.

RoadBunner said...

I love the sauerkraut labels! Mario says, "Bah" to people who aren't interested in bunnies!!

p.s. Love the new banner!

Anonymous said...

Not interested in rabbits? Well, their loss then! Some people just don't have their priorities right :p

Love your banner! I've always enjoyed watching bunnies groom each other. The groomer.. that's Tyler? Sydney's the one with grey-er coloured fur, right? I hope I didn't get them mixed up :D

Paula said...

Diana, I can't tell you how many times I've imagined something, created it, and then gone out into the world only to find everyone else was on a different wavelength and then found myself thinking, "Huh?" (this happened two weeks ago with dire consequences). Maybe you need a Cinnamon who likes to travel and be on display to show the world that bunnies are real and need art too??
Also, the sauerkraut looks lucious, especially with the goddess cabbages.

Elizabeth said...

How can people not love rabbits?
And your prints are splendid.
The cabbage print was lovely too.
I've just been printing up camel linocuts and sprinkling them with glitter.
Fun but gives me an achey back...........
am adding you to my side bar if that's OK?

ilex said...

Yeah, those "learning" experiences really do tend to suck. You certainly deserve your own table, though. I must agree that the cabbage labels are fab.

I personally don't understand anti-bunny people. But then again, I don't like cats one bit, and it always shocks and horrifies my cat-worshiping friends.

Is that live-culture kraut, or pasteurized vinegar kraut?

YowlYY said...

I just don't get people who aren't interested in bunnies. While I was in Germany I was explaining to a former colleague the interaction of Hugo and Miss Eve and Mr D, who is considered by the two definitely bottom of the pecking order. She found it incredible to believe and was amazed to hear what manipulative and clever creatures bunnies can be. I am with the old lady who said that they "can kiss her ***", you don't need such customers, or rather they don't deserve your art!
Come a new market, you will have your own booth and surely get the attention you deserve. Me thinks the cabbage prints are lovely too - and if I finally get a bit of light these days I will manage to take pics of the prints with Hugo and Miss Eve and blog about them...they're so pretty!!!
Chin up girl :)

RG said...

No. I am not volunteering to actually wear the rabbit suit. I had to wear a salmon suit this summer and that was enough.

Hire some kid ....

Unknown said...

I really would love taste those saurkraut..it's been ages since I've eaten them...

Junkstylediva said...

Who doesn't like bunnies? Maybe these people were your wrong audience... I experience similar problems where I live, it seems people here have a Walmart mentality, they do not think outside the box. why buy presents that are pretty and made from recycled items when they can go to Walmart and buy merch (non recycled, less quality) boring items. Don't give up, maybe you can host or organize your own event with like minded artists. Inge

Deb Cushman said...

Well! Like you said - lesson learned! You'll know more what to expect next time and can adjust accordingly.

tlchang said...

Mmmmmm - sauerkraut, The labels make it even better.

Sorry for the less-than-positive experience. I have found it takes a few tries when 'mingling with the public' to work out the kinks for presentation and appeal. And I think you are correct - having your own table, with your prints exhibited in a way to highlight their uniqueness (as well as educate - not many people will really be familiar with this type of process anymore) would be to your benefit, I suspect.

Better luck in the future, with hopefully not too much trial and error needed.