Where surprises live . . .

For several years now, I have held firm on my decision to not do outdoor Art Shows. There's too much uncertainty. I'm too old to be setting up a tent, I don't want to be carrying my art across large fields and I'm not particularly fond of bugs. But in a moment of “weakness” I agreed to do my first two day outdoor show this spring. In fact, it's this upcoming weekend.  

I’m feeling a mix of excitement, possibility, and a healthy dose of anxiety. There’s s the worry in the back of my mind. Will it rain? Will the wind pick up? What if my tent flies away? How do I keep my artwork safe while still creating an inviting space? Who will help me raise my tent? Outdoor shows require a different kind of preparation. I not only pack my tent, weights, art and protective coverings, but I'm also trying to mentally prepare for the unknown. 

I'm focusing on the positives of unpredictability.  Being outdoors, surrounded by fresh air, conversation, and new faces, can bring an energy that feels alive and unscripted. I'll meet people I never would have crossed paths with otherwise, hear their stories, and watch them connect with my work in unexpected ways. 

It reminds me of my clay monoprints. No matter how much intention I bring to the process, there is always an element of surprise. Layers shift, textures emerge, colors transfer imperfectly. The final piece is never exactly what I imagined and when it works (which is at most only about half the time), that’s where the magic lives. 

Outdoor shows, as life, feel much the same. We can prepare, plan, and protect what matters to us, but we can’t control every gust of wind or sudden storm. The challenge is learning to stay flexible. I practice focusing on what I can manage, let go of what I can't control and trust that something meaningful will emerge from uncertainty. 

I remind myself that sometimes the unknown isn’t something to fear, it’s simply where surprise, connection, and possibility begin. And I'm still looking at the weather forecast every hour :)