Bradley is 7 weeks old and the last seven weeks have been filled with much joy coupled with stress and hard work. Prior to Bradley being born I applied for the Hermitage Handmade Art Festival and was accepted. I was hesitant, but optimistic that I could give birth, care for my daughter and prep for an art show. I’m sure many people thought I was crazy, and it was stressful, but I’m glad I did it.
Preparing for Hermitage Handmade was no small task and while I was aware of all the things that needed to get done, getting them done while caring for a newborn was not easy. This was made more challenging when my husband spent two weeks in California for work three weeks before the show. Bradley and I managed to fall into a good routine when my husband was gone. It was a struggle at times since she was only three weeks old, but we managed to survive (lucky for me she was sleeping 5 hour stretches at night!). I spent those weeks he was gone finishing artwork, ordering supplies, designing business cards, and bagging and framing artworks in between naps and feedings.
When my husband returned from his work trip there was even more work to do and we only had a week to figure out how to display my art, and make a sign and weights for my tent without spending a fortune. Lets just say I wasn’t easy to deal with and the closer we got to show day the more stressed I became. I’m lucky to have such a supportive husband that puts up with me and helps me even when I think I don’t need it or want it. I have a hard time with receiving help in the face of difficult tasks because I want to prove I can do it myself which is empowering but at the same time needlessly stressful. What can I say I was raised stubborn and independent (something to work on).
The day of the Hermitage Handmade Festival went by in a blur. Once my tent was set up and my artwork was hung the day passed quickly. It was rather hot, but was a great first art show. I got a chance to talk to a lot of people and catch up with several friends that stopped by. I even had a visit from my two biggest fans who purchased some new art to add to their growing art collections. In the end I sold 9 paintings and got many new ideas from festival goers that entered my tent. I can’t wait to do it again!
Hand Lettering . Murals . Illustrations 