Procrasti-Nation
I would like to say I am always organized and plan ahead. But that would not be fully honest. I would like to say that the day before a show I am just finishing packing, and don't have any last minute tasks to do. I wish that the morning I need to leave for a show I didn't have a long list of things I still need to do. But that just isn't the way it works around here. I am afraid I live in Procrasti-Nation.
Yesterday was spent trying to finish as many earrings as I could. And drilling and stringing up cranes. Boxing and pricing cranes. Taking a few pictures. It was close to midnight when I went to bed, and I still did not price much of the new jewelry.
I wish I could say that I would learn from these experiences. But if history is any lesson, it is that I will continue to have this need to be in my studio right up till the very last minute. I think it is a need to feel like I have the best possible collection of work with me. As if those last minute pieces are going to make or break the show. Maybe eventually I will tire of the drama that this inflicts on my life, but so far it seems to be a fairly consistent pattern.
What saves me, is that my show things stay pack
ed up and are basically ready to go at any time. I do not unpack the essentials,....duct tape, pens, cable ties, etc. If anything is running low, I restock after a show is over. I have at least one spare light bulb in my plastic container with my lights, power strips and extension cord. When I unload my van after a show, things go away in the same place each time. The first few shows took more focusing on accumulating and organizing all these materials. But now, I can be focused on finishing up work without adding to my stress.
ed up and are basically ready to go at any time. I do not unpack the essentials,....duct tape, pens, cable ties, etc. If anything is running low, I restock after a show is over. I have at least one spare light bulb in my plastic container with my lights, power strips and extension cord. When I unload my van after a show, things go away in the same place each time. The first few shows took more focusing on accumulating and organizing all these materials. But now, I can be focused on finishing up work without adding to my stress.
Today was a long day. Packing, loading, driving, unloading and setting up. But I have had my daughter with me, and her upbeat and resilient mood has helped reduce any stress during the day. And her help made the set-up go a bit faster and easier. It also has been nice to have company tonight in the hotel and at dinner.
The new jewelry is still unpriced. But the show doesn't open till noon. Tomorrow is another day. This one has been long enough, and a good night sleep is the best thing the night before a show.
The weather forecast looks good. The heat and humidity should break. If you make it to the show, you can find me in booth K-5. Be sure to say "hi"!
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4 comments:
Hi Judy,
Good luck at Guilford. I love your new work and I'm sure it will be a success.
Judy,
I'm so glad that I'm not the only person who's in the studio until the last second! Personally, I just think it's who we are - can't imagine it ever changing, although it sure would make life simpler. Good luck at your show!
Janice
That last minute thing is hard to break, I know for a fact! My husband tries to institute the "you're not doing another thing between now and when we leave," at about noon the day before, but it usually doesn't work. Oh well.
Good luck at Guilford! I'd love to read your comments about Artrider shows in general when you return.
When I noted on PCC a while back that you were one of the greats... that was before you became really GREAT. Your pieces just get better and better. I love to see what you are doing because it always feels so fresh and new... You are truly a role model!
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