Preparations underway for our trip to Ceramic Wales.
I had some misgivings around the coming weekend due to a lack of confidence in putting my work out on public display. The previous week we had a pricing exercise, which, although I found it useful, it made me doubt that anyone would actually want to buy any of my work! Worried that I may not have sufficient finished pieces for my show I placed a “Not for sale” ticket on my work.
Helen kindly invited me to join her in her caravan and on arrival in sunny Wales we (or rather she) set up the caravan on the camping field.
We all pitched in and – eventually - displayed the work to our satisfaction.
Lovely Friday evening, if a little breezy and cold! (Thanks to Helen for sharing the cosy warmth of the caravan) Rob and Helen provided a great chilli supper for all. Saturday dawned sunny and bright, time to check out the ceramics – what a treat! I was delighted to find Charlie Collier whose work I love, beautifully thrown traditional vessels, fabulous glazes, especially his wood ash and tenmoku, all great value for money.
birch ash glaze wood ash glaze tenmoku glaze
It was such a pleasure to meet the lovely Beverley Bell-Hughes, whose work is a complete contrast to that of Charlie’s and is equally beautiful - you can smell the sea when looking at her work, so instinctive and natural - no sketchbooks for her! Beverley is so supportive and gives of her time to talk to rookies like us!
One feature enjoyed by all was located in the maze, a series of adorably strange creatures, the work of Meri Wells. These must have been the most photographed pieces of the weekend.
Gavin Webster provided quite a draw for the visitors with his raku demonstrations, raising a good sum for charity at the same time! The “Have a Go” throwing tent was another great idea, they were busy throughout the weekend.
The only disappointing element of the event was the catering. The event was advertised as “Pots, Plants and Food”, however there was only one food outlet which was overpriced - hard luck for those who expected some sort of festival-type variety of food stands.
The whole event was brilliantly organised, Wendy Lawrence was extremely helpful and generous with her time and advice. The cheese and wine were a lovely touch on Saturday, good to see my favourite Charlie Collier receive an award too! Any thoughts I might have had of any kind of cliquishness or snobbery were unfounded and throughout the whole weekend the ceramic folks were generous, supportive, and welcoming.
Saturday evening brought a barbeque and sing song around the fire, great end to the day - thanks to Rob and the spouses for their shopping, cooking, and hard work.
Sunday morning came around, and fortunately so did the brave men who emptied and cleaned the portaloos on the camping field!
John Melhuish from the British Pottery Collectors took a few snaps of those of us who were on our stand. Surprise, surprise, a couple of people actually wanted to buy a piece of my work. What a confidence boost was that! Manning the stand, I found that I really enjoyed talking to members of the public, explaining all of our work and the concepts behind what we do.
All in all, a great weekend was had by all, although the exhibitors generally were a little disappointed with their lack of sales. It made me realise that it’s something that I don’t aspire to. I’m now in my seventies and the sheer hard work associated with these events seem more suited to younger people who are making their careers in the world of ceramics.
The weekend was a great experience, and thanks to all who made it so much fun. Our MA group members work well together and support each other. Times like these reinforce those bonds through shared experiences - helped by food, friendship, alcohol, and song.
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