(The 2012 Art Fair Season has begun. I offer this post about a 10 X 10 space that holds our world during the summer and fall.)
Both my husband and I are artists. He is a photographer and the one currently showing his work. Many weekends throughout the summer and fall find us at outdoor art fairs. It’s a vagabond life, the life of a gypsy, which can make it sound spontaneous and carefree. It is anything BUT that! It is a life that requires calculation and intention. It is similar to going camping as you pack up the vehicle and trailer with tent, the display, ‘the product’ and the marketing items such as bags, business cards, pens and the cash box. Then there are the personal needs for rain and sun, overnight bags, change of clothing for the set up day, and a cooler of food that needs to find a space. Every nook and cranny of the vehicle and trailer are filled, carefully packed, and items wisely placed to ensure they will not only fit but that they arrive safely without damage. Things are strategically packed with the ‘unloading’ in mind – what will be needed first, second or not until later. In my own mind I prefer to think that during art fairs we live like artful gypsies and plan like experienced campers. Both are necessary!
An artist tent is a temporary and flexible place. The white 10 by 10 foot size is the business office for one or two days at a time. It is a space designed to display an artist’s wares, conduct the business of sales, and be home to the artist during 'business hours'. It is likely to be located either on grass or asphalt. If trees are around they add protection from the sun, but may be problematic in wind storms by dropping their branches. Without any trees, the hot sun, potential winds and rain are complicating factors both to the artist and his art. A grassy location usually means uneven flooring and adds extra work in making a photograph hang straight. Each show presents a new adjustment and adventure in living in this white fabric space.
Weather is a key factor to the enjoyment of this temporary office. Wind, water, heat, cold - all can make the stay miserable. The artist attempts to keep dry and presentable to the customer – after all - an artist’s image is at stake. Some artists dress to match their wares or even wear their art such as batik scarves, jewelry, hats, and clothing. While the physical comfort of the artist is important, ultimately it is the safety of his ‘art’ that is of the greatest concern. An artist will sacrifice any physical discomfort to keep his artwork safe, undamaged, and presentable. Sometimes this means drastic measures such as holding down the flapping tent as it fears to lift off and fly away. Other times it means the photographs must don plastic garbage bags to keep them dry from any rain and drips in the tent. And in the hot sun? A vigil is kept that frequently requires opening the plastic wrap to prevent any moisture from forming on the photograph.
Weather, location, and all the parts of the art fair life make for great stories, but it is the stories that are heard and shared in the 10 X 10 space that make the art and artist come alive. This simple, white, fabric tent is a magnet for conversations with the artist. Certainly the ‘sales ‘ are important to provide the needed funds to keep the artist afloat in this business, but it is the comments from the guests who visit the tent that keep the artist's heart and soul inspired. Where else might you hear how a photograph has touched a life, how it inspired a creative spirit, was a metaphor for life?
An artist's life is deeply enriched by the people who arrive in his temporary office. My photographer husband often says after a day in our white tent, "There is no better way to spend time than the opportunity to talk about art." Indeed, it is true. Life is explored multi-dimensionally through the lens of art. Spirits are lifted, philosophical questions are posited, and new ideas are birthed. Who would ever guess that so much could happen involving a space 10 X 10 ?
You've described it perfectly. How people move in that space is also important. Visitors need a natural way to walk in, view the art, and exit. And then there's the movement involved in setting up and tearing down the space. For Nancy and I, that is a carefully choreographed routine so we stay out of each other's way.
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