How did it go? Reflections on Totterdown art trail and sharing art to the world
Totterdown Arts Trail – A Little Debrief
Arrival & Setup Chaos
Totterdown Arts Trail already feels like weeks ago (was 5 days ago). It was my first time showing at Tottwrdown trail and The Harbour church, their 3rd year being a community venue at the trail and this marked the 25th year of the Totterdown art trail overall.
I got there after walking Ralph, arriving around 10am within the 9-11 set up slot, for an 11am opening—only to discover my name, and my space, completely swallowed by other people’s very enthusiastic setups. Tall greeting card Spinners, easels, multitude of fairly large originals everywhere. there really wasn’t a lot of room and I certainly would to have had anything like their displays within that space. I didn’t mind as I adapted but just something to be aware of next time.
After 30–45 minutes of wandering, hesitating, and wondering whether someone was still due to arrive with their space still empty at 10:45, I finally ventured upstairs. I hadn’t scouted the venue before due to flu, just saw the layout map and so finding the three artists had plenty of space up there, more than seemed on the map layout and the others being ok with me joining them, it felt like a tiny miracle. I took it. Despite being unsure how busy it would become upstairs now I had deviated away from the main hall.
15-25 mins of rushing around to set up a so so display but thankfully the art still spoke to people.
Settling In
The first three hours were rough—sweaty, flustered, changing into a shirt just before the official opening time, which I brought with me, knowing I have this extreme reaction to setting up!
, trying to switch from setup mode into “here to show my art” mode. I definitely prefer setting up the day before so I can arrive fresh.
But once things got going, the day moved quickly. I spoke to so many kind people, sold stickers and small pieces, and had those lovely long conversations that make trails worthwhile. Busy doesn’t always equal high sales, but it does equal day going quicker and hopefully some great conversations—and that matters deeply. I have had better sells and quieter trails but I prefer busier like this one. Just depends if your art connects with those there.
On Selling, Teaching & Making a Creative Life
Selling work in person always feels more natural than selling online. Two of my small original paintings found new homes, along with bookmarks, cards, stickers and a mug. I’m learning that a slight elevation in display is okay, even if I’m nervous about art sitting above eye level. The £25 small originals being about 4-5ft off the ground were still a hit and easier than if at waist level.
Long term, I dream of a steady creative life: painting weekly, showing work at the three art trails work selling online regularly
and an exhibition or two (BS5, Fishponds, Totterdown), taking commissions, and teaching others how to loosen up without obsessing over realism. It’s strange offering art for money, but I’m reframing it as an energy exchange—people supporting me so I can keep creating when it’s all I’m able to do, following a breakdown from work shift patterns in March 2017; if I can go self employed and have it fuel my life, then I need not worry about “working” again (even though I do work hard at sharing my art and learning more with the creating side)
I’m also exploring multiple income streams: workshops, Patreon, perhaps even a couple of dog-walking clients again someday. For now, art is still the thing that saved me, keeps me grounded, and feels right and takes my focus.
Future Plans (and the Constant Learning Curve)
I want to experiment with Zoom or livestreams—likely zoom hangout something more conversational than typing responses but would want to invest in pro version again so don’t time out which can’t afford right now , . I’m shy initiating chats in person, but once someone speaks to me, I love sharing the story of each piece and life as an artist . online seems to have more structure ie choose to show up on zoom, so easier to talk.
I also need to sort my Squarespace shipping rate settings… every order feels like a puzzle at the moment, many triggering the tier below the one it’s meant to be . Thankfully people are kind and often check postage with me. But often I opt not to collect it unless big difference, as I am sure they’ll return to support me via patreon or find more art at a later date (with amended shipping) . Wish it was like eBay where set postage costs per product/art - but eBay of course has changed a lot and I can no longer offer art there as it chooses the post rate for you, £8 when it should be £30 for example . So have to factor it into the price . Besides I wish to focus on my own site despite the extra challenges to the software/ options with king a bit technically inept when it comes to websites .
Looking Ahead
Despite the returning cold symptoms which kicked back in Wednesday following being tired from the Art trail (hope didnt pass it on…..) , Totterdown reminded me why I love being at trails (minus set up): while the set up was once again brutal, the conversations, the shared joy of creativity, the sense of community. Next year, I’ll plan my setup differently—more organised, more prepared, less to do.
It’s all part of figuring out how to connect with the people who love my work, without burning out and without hating the process of showing the work. A balancing act, but one I’m committed to navigating. So I’ll be my awkward self, personably when spoken to, looking timid and aloof resting face when not.
And I’ll keep plodding along in person and online in my own unpolished, unprofessional , crazy shy neurodivergent artist self .
