My First Art Show

I recently participated in my first juried art show -- The Shuswap Lake Festival of the Arts. The art was submitted in two categories -- two dimensional (photographs, paintings) and three dimensional (glass work, sculpture, clay, wood, etc.).  There was more than 300 entries from 80 artists and we were amazed at the variety and quality of work that was there.

I work with polymer clay and so the four pieces I entered were all in the 3d category -- a mosaic tiled table, a skewer hair barrette and two necklaces.  My jewelry didn't win, however, I was thrilled that my table received an award. With so many fantastic entries, this was a real honor.

I was also asked to demonstrate my work at the show.  Polymer clay is a new art form in this area so it was a great opportunity to share my craft.

I also has the opportunity to sell a lot of my work in the art show gift shop. Even more importantly, since I'm new to the area, is the number of contacts that I'm making with potential for future sales.

This is one of the necklaces I entered in the show which I titled "Floral Cascade".  Each piece was individually created from polymer clay and then assembled with some mother of pearl beads as an accent. I've been experimenting with multi-strand necklaces and find them more difficult to do. This one is a three strand going into a two strand and then ending with a single strand at the back.  It was a real challenge to make it hang just right.

The barrel clasp is hidden inside a matching clay bead.  I've done many of these before but this time I didn't want any of the wire or connectors to show so discovered a new technique in which they are completely hidden -- it was definitely one of those ahh hahhh moments.

My second necklace, called "Summer Magic", was another challenge but a lot of fun to create. You can read more about how I created this piece on my blog.

I enjoy taking part in various challenges as it forces me out of my comfort zone and to explore areas I normally wouldn't go to experiment and try new things.

This was such an exciting experience for me, I'm already looking forward to next year's event.   I would also encourage anyone who hasn't tried entering any challenges before to do so -- you won't regret it!

Carolyn Good -- 2 Good Claymates