Libby, YOU are one of the artists that I respect, and that post is just one of the many reasons why.
Libby, YOU are one of the artists that I respect, and that post is just one of the many reasons why.
Angie Ramey
Bead Addicts
Amen, and thank you Libby! (You put perfectly all the things I was thinking but couldn't find words for)
Kim Edwards
Lone Tree Studio
I think Libby put it very well. I am very sorry some people had a disappointing Gathering. I did not. I am very glad so many are taking the time to think through things and posting their thoughts. Bumps in our roads usually make us stronger even if we have sore butts!
Heather's demo is a good example for "you can always learn something." You know, I know how to make twists and have even taken a class from Heather a "few" years ago (won't say how many!) I have got to give Heather credit for coming up with tools to make what she does easier and more polished looking. I could not afford to buy her tools but I learned some new tricks and hints to make using twists more successful for me. I appreciated that presentation. I can't see myself making a Sara Sally piece but I learned a lot about construction. Sharon's presentation was fun and inspiring. I have heard Bruce Baker before and have taken his workshops as well as read every word he has written in Crafts Report for the last 10 years or so - I was glad to hear him again. I was reminded of stuff I had forgotten and learned some new things. I loved seeing Robert make his marble even though I don't do boro or make marbles - for me, it was all about learning how to make the glass do what you want to get the effect you want. I loved seeing how artists mix media to get something new. And more and more. I really enjoyed the Gathering!
Now I have also said there were things that got screwed up and I bet it never happens again. I think people speaking up is important. Unfortunately, criticism often hurts feelings of people who work very hard to make things work. Some problems are beyond their control, some a not. I really appreciate a spirited discussion during which I hope everyone can find something that works for them.
I know some people get really upset and feel they have no voice. They leave the group that upsets them. Sometimes that is the right decision, sometimes it is not. But it is not for me to say. I thank those that stay and slug it out. But I sure understand when, for your own good and sanity, you do something else.
Okay - starting to ramble hear. Sorry about that. These discussions always bring me very mixed feelings.
Debby
Last edited by Debby_Weaver; 08-20-2011 at 08:33 AM. Reason: As usual - spelling!
Libby, my BFF, hanging with you was great! The only thing that I would ask for is more time to make those one-on-one connections that are so important. It's a professional conference, of course, but it's also social and I learn as much from the interpersonal exchange of information as I do at the demos.
You all know that I'm a strong proponent of finding three cities for the Gathering and rotating. If I could have my druthers, no financial holds barred, ISGB would build our own art center where we could have studio and gallery space, use that as an adjunct to the Gathering and have it in Columbus every year. The time and money that it takes to have a team of people go into a city, inspect facilities, meet and negotiate with hotels, fire marshalls, gallery owners, city resources, and more is awesome. In order to cut costs, it seems imperative to settle on three cities and focus on program building. After 911, fire marshalls would absolutely not agree to fire in hotels, so we had to move classes and all torch events into concrete buildings where we could work. Convention centers are unbelievably expensive! Hotels have minimum numbers in terms of how many nights they require and how much catering expense they demand in a contract. Maybe the idea would be to find a city where we can have classes in private studios, maybe we'll have to pitch a tent in the parking lot of the Motel 6, maybe we'll move the whole thing to the AGI complex--and in that way I would have my wish of one city, but we'll all be pitching tents--or building our own hotel.
I'm interested to see what Louis would bring to the planning ... it's a difficult and time-consuming process, but with hippies, all things are possible.
Nolly
As a newbie, one thing I'd like to see at the Gathering is the opportunity to have my work critiqued by the elite flameworkers in the community. I have no desire to sell my beads at the Bead Bazaar (I'd rather shop) or set up an etsy shop (I'm too lazy, I'd rather just make beads for myself, friends and family) so I'm not that interested in market value. But I do want to improve my work and I can take the criticism.
I would like to see more social time at the Gathering, too. Maybe those unexpectedly long breaks between presenters could best be used by pulling out the bead box and doing some show and tell. I don't think we should call anyone elite, but some folks have been at it longer than others and you might luck out and find yourself seated next to a lampworking grey beard!
I don't think I'm talking out of school, but there is a project in the works geared specifically for artists like you! ISGB is planning a virtual bead show which will be run by the regional directors. I have already agreed to be a juror for this project. It's aimed at helping beadmakers who haven't submitted to a jury before more comfortable with the process. I know that I will be submitting as much feedback as possible to the artists, because that's something I value myself. In Chapel Hill, is there a bead group near you? I'm in the greater Baltimore area so I'm lucky that there are lots of beadmakers around and I belong to two groups. We often have show and tell and critique each others' work. The help and support that I receive from my beady friends has been invaluable to me. If there's no one else that you can look to for help, email me some pictures and I will be glad to help you.
Nolly
nolly@nollysfolly.com
www.nollysfolly.com
Nolly, thanks so much for your response. I was fortunate to have work accepted into both Surface and Convergence III this year so I am now familiar with the jury process. We have a non-ISGB group that meets at NC State once a month and that has been great for meeting other bead lovers. Just last night, we had a potluck and I showed off all of the goodies I bought at the Gathering. A couple other members also attended the Gathering, so we shared our feedback with the others.Originally Posted by NollyGelsinger
In another post, I mentioned that I would like to have seen more tables for easier meetups with new people. I was fortunate to sit next to Heather Trimlett and Dora Schubert at one of the tables for a little while, it's so cool to see my idols in person! However, I would never feel comfortable to show them my beads at an informal meeting like that. But I would be interested in a formal critique if that was something the Gathering could offer.
I'm sorry to disagree, but in my mind, there are definitely elite flameworkers. Many of them were not in attendance this year, some were. I definitely include Heather and Dora in that elite category. And it's not easy for newbies like me to just strike up a conversation with them, especially about my own work.
Editing to add: I would be willing to pay for this so it could be another fundraiser for the ISGB and/or the "critiquer".
martha
Last edited by artsymartha; 08-21-2011 at 02:27 PM. Reason: I just thought of this...
Glass Bead Editor in Chief
reposted on Members only area...Sorry had multiple windows opened.
Last edited by LaMaridoLampwork; 08-23-2011 at 03:46 AM. Reason: reposted on Members only area...Sorry had multiple windows opened.
Martha - one of the things I see at every Gathering I have attended are people doing fantastic work that I have never seen before. I do not know their names. They may be new to glass bead making or our group.
Yep, we have our royalty! No doubt about it. But one thing I like about our folks is that you can approach them and ask them about things. I think it is a good idea to have a critique table. I believe it has been done other years with limited success but no reason it can't be tried again.
The Gathering is the high point of my year but there are so many other reasons I am proud to be an ISGB member and one of them is getting to know some of these folks.
Debby
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