This year, I’ve decided to step out of the comfort of my cozy studio and into the bustling world of Christmas markets. The first of several fairs I’ll be taking part in is the Bear Flat Artists’ Christmas Art Fair & Market, on Saturday, November 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Beechen Cliff Methodist Church Hall in Bath. This festive event will showcase a wonderful array of handmade gifts and unique artwork, including ceramics, paintings, glass, and more. I’ll be there too, selling my own creations—though I have no idea what to expect.
I have to admit, this whole process has been anything but easy for me. I’ve had to invest time and money into producing prints, cards, stickers, and stationery—things that don’t come naturally to me. You see, I’m a painter at heart. Painting flows easily, and I’d rather sell my original pieces at affordable prices than spend hours figuring out how to turn them into prints. But the requests keep coming: “I love this painting, but do you have a print?” And while I find it a little frustrating, maybe selling prints will be what finally changes my mind about them.
If only that were my only worry! As an introvert, the idea of standing behind a table and chatting with people all day sends waves of anxiety through me. I can write endlessly about my art, but when it comes to talking face-to-face, my brain turns to mush. I often feel like I forget who I am entirely, let alone what inspired each painting. There’s a real fear of saying the wrong thing or, worse, saying nothing at all.
Yet, despite all these nerves, there’s a small part of me that’s hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, someone will come and appreciate my work—if not a painting, then a card or two. And if I act a little strange, well, that’s just part of being an artist, right? We’re supposed to be a bit quirky. So if you do make it out to the fair and see me fumbling through conversations, don’t be alarmed—it’s all part of the creative charm.
At the end of the day, standing in a chilly church hall, waiting for people to notice your work, is part of the artist's journey. I’m just hoping it’ll be worth it. So come by, say hello (even if I look awkward), and check out some local art. After all, we artists need to get out of our studios every once in a while—even if we’d rather hide behind the canvas.
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