Art and Creativity Journal: Handmade isn't Trying to be "Perfect!"

Visitors to Arts and Crafts Fairs can be funny, sometimes.

Particularly the folks who look at handmade work — like intricately painted stones — and assert that slight variations in color, or a line that isn't exactly straight is somehow a "defect," sometimes followed by the question "do you have any SECONDS?"

No, I don't have any "seconds."

To the extent that I do end up messing up a pattern while working on it, I choose to somewhat randomly "finish" the stone, give it the obligatory coat of varnish and then it ends up as a colorful piece of decoration somewhere in our garden.

If my work is at a show, it is "show quality."

That is actually less related to pride or ego than to the fact that most of the shows we go to are juried, and if we show up with anything that presents as sub-standard, we run the risk of not being invited back, for lack of paying attention to details, or whatever.

Of course, the original question of whether or not I have any seconds is typically a fishing expedition from someone trying to wrangle a lower price.

I am pretty strict about avoiding haggling and discounting, limiting it to when someone is either buying many stones, or they are very seriously considering a very large item that's outside their budget.

Thinking back to the 15 or so years I was actually in the art and fine crafts gallery business, one of my takeaways was that there is far more haggling and bargain making at the bottom end of the market than at the top.

But getting back to the original point about quality and perfection, the thing about artists — and handmade items, in general — is that while they might strive for excellence, perfection isn't really something I'm trying for.

I just want the work to be really good, as per my interpretation of what constitutes good.

It's that old thing about "doing your best!"

"Your best" is quite different from perfection, and I will also admit that — during my years as an art gallery proprietor — I have seen plenty of art that was shoddy and half-assed and lacked attention to detail.

I appreciate you coming to visit and please do leave a comment if you feel so inclined!

Thank You!

If you enjoy painted rocks, do check out The Hive Rocks Project and help spread the word about Hive, while also being creative!

Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a part time living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.

Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!

My Alchemy Stones Patreon appeal

Alchemy Stones web site and blog

Alchemy Stones on eBay

Alchemy Stones on Etsy

Alchemy Stones on Facebook

Regardless, your upvotes and comments are always appreciated!

Thank you for supporting independent art & creativity!

2024.10.29 AS-TXT-289/259