@gratefulfor
It's been a year of big changes here at ArtSci designs! The biggest is that I retired from my long-time day job as a materials microscopist. I have to admit....it was simultaneously thrilling and terrifying! Now that it's been a few months, I'm starting to get used to the idea.
I've been grateful to have some time to travel around (a long solo road trip around the eastern half of the US, and then the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM with my parents), seeing new things and visiting family and friends that I don't get to see often. I've also been very thankful that the open time allowed me to be there for folks when they needed me. Additionally, I feel so fortunate to be able to expand this business. I've done seven shows already this year, including four (!) new ones. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to share my work with so many new people and to see so many old friends at these shows. I love it when folks come back and tell me how much they wear what they have from me. It's how I know that those pieces went to good homes!
Looking forward, I'm grateful to have more time to hone my craft and move further along my artistic journey. This is a journey into sound. A journey which along the way will bring to you new color, new dimension, new value. Oh wait....that's the Coldcut sample from Eric B. and Rakim's "Paid in Full". I meant to say look for new designs, new color combinations, new patterns as I have more time to experiment. (No rap tracks from me are forthcoming, though.)
Some of that new work will show up at two home shows in December. The first is on Sunday, 12/3 from 12-5 at 1205 St. Clair Rd. in Oreland, PA. The second is a joint show with Bryan Jernigan (paintings and pastels) and Jules' Jewels (silversmith) at Studio 932, 932 Patrick Henry Dr. in Arlington, VA on Saturday, 12/16. We'll be there from 10-5. All are welcome. If you're able to come out to either, I'd love to see you! It will be a great opportunity for handmade holiday shopping, and there will be snacks!
While we're on the topic, please consider patronizing local businesses for your holiday shopping. Whether it's honey from the local beekeeper, or the work of a photographer that you've admired, or a gift certificate from a local shop, please know that small businesses appreciate your support in ways that Amazon and Target never will. And if you're local to Conshohocken, plan to visit the businesses downtown for Small Business Saturday on 11/25. Get a punch card from any of the nine participating business with balloons outside, and get it punched at all of them to be entered in a raffle for a Conshy Business Basket. (No purchase necessary.) Somebody's gotta win....why not you? It would be one more thing to be #gratefulfor.
