The End of Artomatic & A Peek into My Guest Book...

Yesterday, Ben and I ventured over to Crystal City one last time to take down my show for Artomatic. And now, after packing up all of my paintings, letting go of a few that were purchased (always an exciting, yet sad moment...), and filling out my particpant's survey, it's over. Crazy how much work goes into these types of things, isn't it? And then they're just over. It's so strange! Because it was such a big event in the DC area--and because it's been such a big part of my life over the past month or so--I thought it only appropriate to do one final post about this event. So today, I'm sharing a few fun comments that I received in my guest book from the show, and a few final images from the last weekend.

 Typically, at a show like this, each artist leaves a little book in their space, so that people can leave notes or comments, since we can't actually be there for most of the show. Of course, I did this, and when I finally picked up my guest book and started looking through it yesterday, the experience took me back to school--to that moment when you finally got your yearbook back on the very last day, and started reading through everything that people said to you, wondering what certain things meant, and tearing up over sweet comments that your friends made...

Although there were lots of very wonderful compliments and DARLING notes from a bunch of my students and friends (thank you all SO much! You know who you are and I really appreciate your seeking out my work ;), there were also a few very *interesting* and/or humorous notes that were left for me. See below for a few of my faves:

"I did the wheel in front of your wheel painting. I felt so good!"
"Do you do yoga?"
"So...cupcakes? That ain't a metaphor, or is it?"
"Art is very nicely done."
"You are flexible" (see image above!)
"Love the dresses! Perhaps a sundress/beach-themed painting?"
"You have a gift. Others try to learn. Some try to teach. But you have it...a gift. "
Someone left a drawing of the Wu Tang symbol (haha!)
Someone left a weird blob with the word "painting" in it (?)
"Love the 'Wide-Legged' painting. Great use of light and color."
"I don't find your subject matter to be especially interesting or compelling. 'Dove' is probably your smartest work."

Funny, aren't they? And in response to the last comment (of course the one that I can't help but focus on the most...), I just want to say that art is a very personal experience. To whoever wrote this, it's fine if you don't find my work to be interesting. I paint what I enjoy, what makes me happy, and what I like to look at, and if you don't find it to be compelling, no problem! Look at something else, or at someone else's work, as there is plenty of interesting, compelling work out there :)

On Saturday, I had a booth at the "Art-to-Go" Marketplace, which was a fun way to talk to people about my work and sell some of my new prints (yay!). I had a blast and felt that it was a wonderful way to say goodbye to Artomatic 2012. My booth is above, and a few scenes from the day can be seen below...

Before heading out for the day, Ben and I took one last quick walk-through of the show. We finally saw the Peeps Exhibit (hysterical!), and caught a live dance performance (image below) and fashion show. My attention was also captured by the piece below, entitled "Shopaholic"--a dress made entirely of clothing labels. The artist, Michele Late, says that every one of these tags comes from a piece of clothing that she's bought for herself, as a self-proclaimed shopaholic. I thought it was very Project Runway of her, and totally love it! 

Au revoir, Artomatic! Until next time...

Thanks again to all of you who showed your support during this show! You don't know how much your sweet words mean to me :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine