I have actually been trying to write this post for about a week. I finally choose this gorgeous pendant of Jeannie's to work with for this months Echo Creative Club.
I really love working with Jeannie's creations. They challenge me each time but I find a love and inspirational spark in each and every piece. Here are some of her newest fun creations I so wish I could get my hands on.
Honestly this has been one heck of a year so far and we are only in March. January was so full of ups and new experiences I had to struggle just to keep up. February was full of challenges that I was just short of giving up on but with the amazing support of my friends I have pushed through and thought I had come out on he other side but then I ended up with yet another round of infections that literally had me in bed for the end of February and beginning of March. I did so much whining I even got sick of myself. So I will not be continuing with the whining for all of you. LOL
So what had me struggling to get this posted? So many things have been going through my mind. Maybe it is age or maybe some self doubt creeping in but I was looking at my creations with an extremely critical eye. Am I stuck in a rut or am I looking at my signature style? I love working with my seeds and how they fall together in so many beaded chains. I love working with artisan beads and making pendants to match the beaded chains but is the combination boring?
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| What do you think? Too predicable? |
Do I want to really get serious about selling my work or do I want to keep it a hobby? If I sell how do I part with the pieces that I create if I truly love them? If I serious about selling how do I price my pieces with the artisianship in mind but still get sales. Who do I market to?
See so much is running through my head and frankly this is the best of the 6 posts I have tried to write with all this in mind. LOL
I hope this finds you all well and I do have things to celebrate with you all when the time comes.
Hugs and Blessings
KK
You're not alone my friend. We all have self doubt. It took me some time to figure things out and I know you will too! Just follow your heart.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the necklaces you have in the picture are "too predictable". They are very pretty! If this is your style and it is what makes you happy, then keep on keepin'on!
ReplyDeleteThose questions are what make you an artist. No, not predictable. Complimentary and textural would be the first words that come to mind. I love artisan beads combined with skillful design work. I don't know what is best when it comes to selling work. I'm trying to figure that out! But I can tell you there was a vase I covered with polymer, a very labour intensive design but my first time doing it, a discovery type piece. I put a fair price on it. A woman came to my tables looked everything over went straight to it and just picked it up and handed it to me, barely a second look. "my daughter will love this!" the following year I saw her again, with said daughter who came and told me where it sits in her home... This is how you let your babies off into the world :) believe others will treasure them too
ReplyDeleteOh my dear Kristen! I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well. Don't doubt yourself too much (easy to preach, not easy to follow though!)...your work is beautiful and you should be proud of every piece.
ReplyDeleteKristen, I hope you already feel better. And yes, sometimes we have self doubts. But I think we need these to grow as artists. I had and still have self doubts about my work, but I love what I do and that is the most important thing. And then someone comes along and says: Wow, did you make this? :)
ReplyDeleteI really love your work and I think you're looking at your signature style. Problem I see is the photos. They look a bit boring to me. So how about trying to play with backgrounds, little deco items in the pics and all?
I think they are great!!! The point of designing, to me, is, to enhance a focal in the most flattering manner possible. I think that is what you have done! It isn't easy but you seem to have an instinctive and charming way you go about it!
ReplyDeletelove jean! xox
I'm the self doubt queen. But, I keep jumping in to the water to learn more. Your work is fabulous-go for it!
ReplyDeleteI’m part of the bead soup party. Looking forward to the reveals. I'm now following you. I have a new blog. Please consider following my jewelry blog. Thanks.
http://vintagememoriesjewelry.blogspot.com
Very pretty necklaces! Love Jeannie's new beads!
ReplyDelete