Last weekend fellow artist Lauren Ward and I ventured up to Sydney, to check out “The Other Art Fair” at Barangaroo.
Although I grew up in Western Sydney and left at the age of 19, I certainly don’t know my way around the city, especially now that I’ve spent most of my life not living in Sydney! We country gals might have accidentally ended up going over the Harbour Bridge more times than we care to admit, but we finally made it to Barangaroo with time to spare.
My first ever art fair- “The Other Art Fair” was a wonderful experience!
With 110 independent artists, it was such a vast array of work, styles, and mediums. It was a delight for the eyes and the senses.
As we worked our way through the fair, I was stoked to meet and chat with Artists Fiona Verity and Julie Nicholson from the “Art Wank” Podcast . Those girls are just as much fun in real life and such friendly, awesome women. And considering Fiona had been talking non-stop since the opening on Thursday night, she was doing surprisingly well come Sunday- albeit a little husky! Their enthusiasm is truly infectious.
I also got to meet the gorgeous Anna Price, who is quite possibly my most favourite artist. By Sunday when we walked past her exhibit, she had sold all but one of her works, which sold later that day.
That girl is AMAZING!
I did grab one of her tea towels while I was there and will I save my pennies for one of her original works one day.
We also got to have a go at a life drawing class, which was a new experience for both of us! The nude female model was painted in neon paint and we sat in a dark room to paint her.
It was so interesting to walk around the fair with Lauren – we have such different tastes and preferences in art, it really opened my eyes that we are all so unique in what moves us, inspires us and what we enjoy looking at.
I sometimes question my abilities or that my art isn’t “real” art. The Other Art Fair opened my eyes to the fact that everyone is different and all art has its place in this world, there is no right or wrong and it’s all a journey of self-discovery.
At the end of the day, it helped clarify that I need to paint what I want to, not what I think is “worthy enough.” I need to be kinder to myself and my art practice and I will get better and gain more skills with time, consistent practice and patience.
