Rustnstuff: Open Studios

Showing posts with label Open Studios. Show all posts

Friday, November 22, 2013

In readiness

Today Fiona and I have been flat out doing the sorting and tidying one tends to do in preparation for visitors to an open studio. We are ready to invite friends, fellow artists and the public into our reorganised studio gallery space 601 mvr at 601 Mountain View Road Maleny (Saturday and Sunday 23-24 November - 10am-4pm each day).

And as you can see from the photos below I have created enough pieces for folk to get a good idea of what I do; and to have stuff for them to purchase.

I did not get time to take a photo of Fiona and my print display-sales area; and I'm sure Fiona will post a photo or two opt her great small books and journals. Something for everyone it would seem.

The day also heavy exercise in it as I gave Craige, our builder, a hand to spread 2 cubic meters of gravel into the car turning area we are building. And I cut quite a bit of metal so I can grind it during the open studio days - always good to have a project.

And now we are off to the opening of the COMA exhibition. I think I might need (not just want) a wine tonight.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Thanks for a good weekend

At the end of the the day it is people who make things good. Fiona and I are a bit weary after two full on days of open studio - but good and happy weary thanks to the beautiful people who shared our studio with us.

We had just over 80 visitors - all adults - some established friends and fellow artists and some new folk. All these people interested in the details of what we do, how we do it and wanted to see the odd bit of a demonstration. With the number of visitors we could stop and spend time with most people - a few times it got a bit crowded and hectic and so we could not spend as much time with some folk.

So the thanks goes to those who wished us well, promoted the event and those who took the time to visit.

Below are a few photos of the work bench and odds and ends at the end of the day.

And a big thanks for the support we were given by people who bought our art works. Now to spend a few moments catching my breath with a single malt over ice to aid recovery.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

A big weekend

Fiona and I are pretty whacked after two days full of people who wanted to see us at work and ask the interested detailed questions. We had about 150+ individuals visiting over the two days.

Given I work outside I do the initial meet and greet; discussion about the metal work; and demonstrations as required. Inside the stidio-gallery Fiona has been fielding questions about her work; doing demos on pens, marbling etc; selling stuff; and also explaining my work in the cabinets.

Over the two days I think I made about 60 leaf-forms as demos; as well as bowls, cuffs etc. About 20 or so of the leaf forms went to children as mementos; a few to adults; and today about 15-20 to an art bushfire memorial tree.

Following are a few photos Fiona took of me either banging on to people about metal stuff or demonstrating some aspect of it.

And also a couple of photos of leftover demo leaves; and other demonstrations bits.

So not lot a lot of words as the batteries need recharging - but it has been a good way to promote our art practice and introduce people to who we are and what we do; and we did have folk returning from last year so it can't be all bad.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Preparations. people and new pieces

Friday seems so long ago; but fortunately the peace flags and peace weather-grams are still flying to remind me that it is only Sunday. It has been a big weekend.

Whilst only about 100 people came through our studio-gallery it was quite exhausting as folk were very interested and wanted to know quite a bit about what we did; and of course Fiona and I did share and did demonstrate stuff. And we did manage to sell a few bits and pieces - so all is good.

I managed to make a new tube ring before the weekend - see below.

Made a few more found earrings - couple of pairs sold.

Made some more leaves - sold a few.

And today between folk visiting, and as part of the demonstrations, I managed to make a "simple-classic cuff bracelet thingy".

So it has been another rewarding art confirming weekend; and also made us very glad to that we live where we live and do what we do.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Ready or not - for Open Studios

Tonight I was going to post on a beautiful surprise peace gift I received from one of our gifted fellow artists in our blog community; but the day (and indeed most of this week) has been given over to finalising the products and getting our studio-gallery (601 mvr) sorted for the first weekend of the Sunshine Coast Open Studios 2012 that starts tomorrow. So I'll post on the preparations today; and then post on that special gift on Sunday.

Fiona and I are better prepared this year in that we have a wider range of pieces that showcase the diversity of what we do; and we have enough stock to deal with any demand on the first couple of days. My work ranges from small hand formed jewellery pieces to the larger outdoor sculptural pieces. But I will let the photos give an insight into my work and presentation in 601 mvr. I would say most if not all the works on display are created from recycled materials - apart from jewellery findings.

Both Fiona and I are tired but we are feeling we have put in a good effort to share our studio space and our art forms with the public. We will see what tomorrow brings. Now off for a little sav. blanc and dinner.