A note to the blonde manager at my Artomatic shift last night.

Art, Projects

I don’t even remember your name, probably because you never told it to me. Even though you told me a lot of other things to do last night because you were theoretically “in charge” last night. Which mostly consisted of second guessing our techniques for deconstructing the walls of the space and screwing things up for the one actual paid worker. Also it was nice of you to not realize when I was joking about getting a free set of lights for my labors and talking to me in an insulting tone. thanks.

I worked my ass off for you. Me and my VOLUNTEER crew worked through 5 floors of Artomatic and removed all the light brackets off the walls. While another crew carried them to a central location and stacked them neatly. Wade and I did the first floor with screwdrivers BY HAND until the cordless drills arrived without any serious complaining. So the reward I get for busting my ass and NOT COMPLAINING?

You talked to me like a fucking child.

Let me recreate the scene for you. We returned to the office sweaty and tired after working as hard as humanly possible for 5 hours on deconstruction. I bought a water for a dollar and stood around waiting to be signed out.
You come in to the office and ask me (with much attitude) “Are all the light brackets stacked in the middle on 5?”
I respond “Yeah, I guess” (with a shrug of the shoulders)
You : “Well is is yes, or is it Yes with a shrug so I have to go back up there and check it myself”

I have never felt more anger in one moment in my entire life, but because I am a good person and NOT ON YOUR LEVEL, I didn’t respond with all the cruel and vile remarks that were filling my head. Also I was shocked that you would treat a volunteer that way.

First… It was your plan to have OTHER PEOPLE in charge of stacking the brackets, NOT ME.
Second… If we hadn’t worked so hard there’s no way we would have come close to finishing the 5th floor.
Third… This is the first day of deconstruction, what does it matter if everything is finished and neat yet?
Fourth… Wade and I are going to be back there tonight, we can just pick up where we left off.

With Artomatic complaining this year about more and more people not showing up for their shifts and even needing people to volunteer extra to help out I suggest that you try and be more civilized towards HARD WORKING VOLUNTEERS. If I wasn’t required to come back tonight there’s no way in hell that I would be helping you.

I love Artomatic and have done a lot to help promote the show. I carved the artomatic logo 100ft tall in my yard, I invited family and friends, and I got 2 of my artist friends to be in the show this year. But for how much I love the show… I loathe the thought of ever having to work with you again.

Mark

Thoughts on the End of Artomatic 2009

Art, Projects

It actually ended last weekend… But I’ve been busy…(more on that later). So it’s over, I’ve delivered most of the works that I sold, but I still have to do my volunteer shifts on the 22nd and 23rd. Obviously this years show was a great success, they had the biggest attendance ever and I think some of the best works ever. I think everyone is really stepping up their game, I think competition is great for the DC art scene. I made some friends and contacts that I’ll have to keep in touch with in the Non-Artomatic months.

It was a really successful show for me personally this year! Not just because I sold about 90% of all the work that I displayed, but because I gained a lot of confidence that I can make, show, and SELL artwork. I’m hoping to break into internet sales by joining Etsy in the coming months. I have talked to a few people on there and I’m excited about the possibilities.

I’ll try to keep posting on my site whenever I have a development.

Mark

Knit Together at Artomatic

Interests, Life


Knit Together at Artomatic, originally uploaded by goshdarnknit.

the James Renwick Alliance gives out these craft awards for art that is really well made. I’m sure there are other criteria, but all the pieces just seem to have that “How did they make that” or “This is put together really well” kind of vibe going for them. That is something that I’ve never thought of my own work. I always seem to leave errors in the things that I make. Not on purpose really, I just can’t seem to smooth out the details. I guess I need to experiment more and really get my technique down. There’s always next year!

Mark