• Home
  • Research
  • Learn
    • Setting up a Slate Frame
    • Events
    • Lectures
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Workshop Halberstadt
    • Medieval Goldwork Course
    • Medieval Embroidery Study Group
    • FlossTube with the Acupictrix
  • Blog
    • Embroidery Projects & Techniques
    • Embroidery Tools & Materials
    • Research articles
    • Book Reviews
    • Other Reviews
    • Exhibitions
  • Webshop
  • About
    • Contact
    • Curriculum Vitae
  • Startseite
  • Forschung
  • Sticken lernen
    • Stickrahmen einspannen
    • Veranstaltungen
    • Vorträge
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Stickkurs Halberstadt
    • Mittelalterliche Goldstickereikurs
    • Studiengruppe mittelalterliche Stickerei
    • Die Acupictrix auf FlossTube
  • Blog
  • Webshop
  • Über
    • Kontakt
    • Lebenslauf
  • Startpagina
  • Onderzoek
  • Leren borduren
    • Opspannen Slate Frame
    • Evenementen
    • Lezingen
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Workshop Halberstadt
    • Cursus middeleeuws goudborduren
    • Studiegroep middeleeuws borduren
    • FlossTube met de Acupictrix
  • Blog
  • Webshop
  • Even voorstellen
    • Contact
    • Curriculum Vitae
Acupictrix - Dr Jessica Grimm
  • Home
  • Research
  • Learn
    • Setting up a Slate Frame
    • Events
    • Lectures
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Workshop Halberstadt
    • Medieval Goldwork Course
    • Medieval Embroidery Study Group
    • FlossTube with the Acupictrix
  • Blog
    • Embroidery Projects & Techniques
    • Embroidery Tools & Materials
    • Research articles
    • Book Reviews
    • Other Reviews
    • Exhibitions
  • Webshop
  • About
    • Contact
    • Curriculum Vitae
  • Startseite
  • Forschung
  • Sticken lernen
    • Stickrahmen einspannen
    • Veranstaltungen
    • Vorträge
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Stickkurs Halberstadt
    • Mittelalterliche Goldstickereikurs
    • Studiengruppe mittelalterliche Stickerei
    • Die Acupictrix auf FlossTube
  • Blog
  • Webshop
  • Über
    • Kontakt
    • Lebenslauf
  • Startpagina
  • Onderzoek
  • Leren borduren
    • Opspannen Slate Frame
    • Evenementen
    • Lezingen
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Workshop Halberstadt
    • Cursus middeleeuws goudborduren
    • Studiegroep middeleeuws borduren
    • FlossTube met de Acupictrix
  • Blog
  • Webshop
  • Even voorstellen
    • Contact
    • Curriculum Vitae
EN | DE | NL

Historical Embroidery News...

A different tribe?

15/5/2018

36 Comments

 
Last weekend, I participated in a small-scale art exhibition with a painter and a sculptor. It was my first time exhibiting as an artist rather than a craftswoman. And I made some interesting observations I'd like to share with you. Especially as this art exhibition was a so much more positive experience than the usual craft fair!
Jessica Grimm, Marion Werner & Annemarie Bahr
We promoted our exhibition through posters and flyers laid out at local shops. In addition, I promoted the event on Facebook, Instagram, my website and through my newsletter. However, the best medium to promote your event in rural Bavaria, is through a local newspaper. We were very fortunate to have two such papers taking an interest. And their articles were lovely. They even managed to take a decent picture of me!
Embroidery exhibition Jessica Grimm Marion Werner Steingaden
Me and my embroideries took up residence in the sculptor's atelier. Two beautiful rooms with good natural light. I was allowed to hammer nails into the walls where ever I wanted. What luxury! My embroideries where more spaced-out than what is possible at a craft fair. I was able to group similar ones together and to add proper descriptions. Besides naming the piece, I also added materials and year of creation. There was plenty of space for people to mill around and get really close to my work. I also set up my trestles with my slate frame to show a piece of silk shading as work in progress. That proved to be a clever move, as people were very interested in this technique.
Embroidery exhibition Jessica Grimm Marion Werner Steingaden
Our promotions had clearly worked. The day before I was setting up the exhibition, I was contacted by a buyer who didn't dare wait till the exhibition was officially open. She bought three of my pieces! During the two-day exhibition, I sold two more. In addition, I also sold a few pendants, a food cover and an embroidery kit. Much more than what I usually sell at a craft fair. And so far, I have never sold an embroidered item other than pendants, at a craft fair.
Embroidery exhibition Jessica Grimm Marion Werner Steingaden
Until now, I have been reluctant to call myself an artist. And I get the giggles when somebody in my presence does. But I think it is perhaps time to make the transition from crafter to artist. For starters: I've been invited on the spot to two more art exhibitions as people where so impressed by my work. These exhibitions have equal low costs for me as this exhibition had. That seems to be the biggest difference between craft fairs and art exhibitions: the costs. This one was exceptionally low: part of the costs of the flyers and two cakes. But the others are very reasonable too: cost of flyers, drinks during the vernissage (if I want such a gathering!) and 5% of my sales. You see, no sales do thus not equal disaster as it does with craft fairs. Who knew?!
Embroidery exhibition Jessica Grimm Marion Werner Steingaden
What I also found refreshing was the type of visitor. Yes, there were fellow stitchers and yes some made the same kind of silly remarks as they tend to do at craft fairs. But the majority were art lovers. And they are a different tribe altogether. They either like a piece or they don't like a piece. Fine by me, I can deal with that.
Royal School of Needlework canvas Jessica Grimm Franz Marc
And my new tribe was very clear about their tastes and interests: goldwork and silk shading. With copies of local painters' work in canvas (think: my interpretation of Franz Marc's tiger). And since I sold so many pieces, I need to create some more of that in the coming months. Oh joy! But first I'd like to finish my ebook on the linen vestments from Tyrol. Because attending an art exhibition does take time. And with several commissions sitting on the shelves, the ebook is unfortunately lower on the list of priorities... Nevertheless, I hope you liked my report on my first-ever art exhibition. And maybe some of you should transition from crafter to artist too? Still giggling...
36 Comments
Mary Corbet link
15/5/2018 15:24:15

Congratulations, Jessica! Sounds like it was a great success! Very interesting results and observations!

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 15:30:09

Thank you Mary!

Reply
Kelly Cline link
15/5/2018 15:35:46

Congrats Jessica! Important step you took. You ARE an artist! I recently changed to ‘quilt artist’ rather than ‘quilter’, mostly because it defines who I believe I am. Artist defines you! Good luck in your future shows.

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 15:42:01

Thank you Kelly! I am still a bit bemused by it all :).

Reply
Avril Baxter
15/5/2018 15:57:54

Congratulations. It sounds very successful for a first attempt, and of curse you are an artist.

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 16:05:01

Thank you Avril!

Reply
Ana-Maria Kramer
15/5/2018 16:06:43

Congratulations on the show and the shows to come. It is interesting how you compare the Art and Craft shows. I also noted the difference in setting up your display. Spreading out and allowing for close viewing as opposed to a full table.
All the best with your next shows.

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 16:31:57

Thank you Ana-Maria! Yes, space is everything. However, square meters at craft shows are just far too expensive to allow for good displays.

Reply
Ginette Marcoux
15/5/2018 16:23:53

Good day Jessica,

In my views you have been an artist all along, I do understand that sometimes it takes a bit longer to have a change of mindset when we look at our craft. You are a full fledge embroiderer therefore an artist! Congratulations and best of luck for futur exhibitions!

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 16:32:34

Thank you Ginette!

Reply
Betsy
15/5/2018 17:04:57

Congratulations on making the leap! You've always been an artist--now you are comfortable calling yourself by that name.

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 17:08:50

Thank you Betsy! I'll keep practising in front of the mirror :)!

Reply
Rachel link
15/5/2018 18:38:35

Congratulations! Clearly it's time you stopped giggling and took yourself a bit more seriously!
I can absolutely see that you would get a different "tribe" at an art event, and to be honest - since words have power - "craft" no longer carries the sense of expertise it once did, so people are dismissive of it. For some reason, "art" has not suffered in the same way, so you find yourself taken more seriously...

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 19:03:38

You are absolutely right Rachel! I am all grown-up now. Sorry, interupted by another giggle :). But I think you are right, craft became the word for 'hobby' and art the word for 'serious'. My old business cards are nearly gone and the new ones will have a very different wording!

Reply
Velia Antila
15/5/2018 19:01:24

I am so glad for you and happy to know you now have a new line of crafter participation group, which I find to be more more different and appreciative of ones work than a regular craft fair attendees. Congratulations.

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 19:13:17

Thank you Velia! It was indeed very inspiring to talk to other artists. There was a lovely engraver; so inspiring talking to her!

Reply
Nancy Anne White
15/5/2018 20:18:15

What a wonderful experience and a positive shift in how to think of your incredible skill.
It is sad that the word craft has suffered a downgrading of what it once meant - skill. But moving into the realm of artist (it’s okay to giggle) will raise both your exposure and clientele as well as respect for your skill.
There are internationally known fiber/needlework artists. You belong among them.
Congratulations!

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 21:05:37

Now I am giggling and blushing Nancy Anne! Thank you so much!

Reply
Averyclaire link
15/5/2018 21:24:03

Wow! What an exciting post! Congratulations! Artist you are and have been ALL ALONG! Best wishes on your future art exhibitions!

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
15/5/2018 22:08:26

Thank you Karen! It really feels like a milestone!

Reply
alina link
15/5/2018 23:04:19

Ah, finally! I've been thinking that your craft fair problems were due to the fact that your work really should be elevated (in the eyes of others) to art and then it will find proper evaluation -- and so it is. It's a little bit about labels but whatever works. I hope you will have much success in this line of promoting your work.
On another note, I really like you canvaswork pieces (the animals and also the more painterly one you showed here)!

Reply
Gayle Shapcott
16/5/2018 00:17:03

Jessica, what a fabulous result, congratulations. Fantastic that your work is getting the recognition that it deserves and that you are being recognized for being the amazing artist that you are!

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
16/5/2018 08:16:08

Thank you Gayle! It feels amazing to be out of the closet :).

Reply
Sue Knight
16/5/2018 00:43:48

Congratulations Jessica. What a fantastic result. As a Professional Embroiderer you are an artist, so you need to take credit for it. I realize it is difficult to think of ourselves as one thing, since we have always thought of ourselves as something else; but we need to change and see how important embroidery really is to the arts.
Congratulations again and keep up the good work.

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
16/5/2018 08:18:05

Thank you Sue! I realise that I had limiting beliefs about my work and it sure is time I let go of them. And with all the encouraging words from my lovely blog readers, I am finally able to do so!

Reply
Elizabeth Braun link
16/5/2018 17:29:15

Yes, fine embroiderers are very definitely artists. Especially if design is in the equation. Well done! Onwards and upwards!

Sadly, the only art exhibitions near me are paper/canvas work only and don't include any other media. :(

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
16/5/2018 18:11:05

How about initiating one yourself Elizabeth? This was a very 'low-key' event too. One artist offering the space of her home and inviting two others to join her. She has been doing this for 14 years, always during the Mother's Day weekend. It took a few years to really take off, but now it is firmly on local people's radar. My next one will be in a small local history museum in a village a couple of miles away. Again, pretty low-key, but perfect for much needed local promotion.

Reply
Catherine link
16/5/2018 20:19:16

Such a lovely post to read and a huge congratulations! I’m so glad this exhibition not only resulted in sales for you but also a change in mindset. It is sad that ‘crafter’ has become associated with hobby only, but I’m glad you have found your place in the world of ‘artist’.

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
17/5/2018 08:54:59

Thank you Catherine! It will be interesting to see how Autralia reacts to your embroidery talent. I hope you had a good trip and that you will settle into the new life soon!

Reply
Catherine link
19/5/2018 12:02:29

Thanks Jessica, slowly starting to settle back in - it’s surprising how much of a culture change moving back home is! I managed to get a little stitching done today which made for a welcome change! Australia is generally quite good with embroidery- fingers crossed they like my style!

Erica Marsden
16/5/2018 23:11:25

Jessica, I am delighted for you. You are an artisan, not a crafter. Maybe this is your niche! You must be smiling.

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
17/5/2018 08:58:29

Thank you Erica! That's what I thought I was: artisan or Kunsthandwerker in German. But I have to drop the part behind Kunst as that is too much associated with tradition and craft. And my embroideries are not perceived as belonging to the tradition here. Historically, that's wrong. But it is all about perception these days, with the truth being a whole different thing...

Reply
Erica
20/5/2018 04:22:37

Such good news! Especially after such dispiriting experiences at the craft fairs. Fascinating to hear how different the audiences are. Good luck with the upcoming shows!

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
20/5/2018 09:15:01

Thank you Erica!

Reply
Mari-jan link
20/5/2018 19:50:43

Hey Jessica ,
Eindelijk erkenning ! Je hebt er lang genoeg op gewacht en hard genoeg voor gewerkt 🍀 Geniet ervan! 🎉
Groetjes, Mari-jan

Reply
Jessica Grimm link
22/5/2018 10:40:44

Dank je wel Mari-jan!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Want to keep up with my embroidery adventures? Sign up for my weekly Newsletter to get notified of new blogs, courses and workshops!
    Newsletter

    Liked my blog? Please consider making a donation or becoming a Patron so that I can keep up the good work and my blog ad-free!
    Patreon


    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Acupictrix
    Alison Cole
    Allgäuer Nadelstiche
    Alpine Experience
    Appenzell
    Applique
    Archaeology
    Art
    Art Nouveau
    Arts And Crafts Movement
    ArtTextil Dachau
    Au Ver A Soie
    Bag
    Barbaral Creations
    Bavarian Braces
    Bayrisches Nationalmuseum
    Beadwork
    Beate Pietzsch
    Benediktbeuern
    Berlin Woolwork
    Bisa Butler
    Blackwork
    Blog
    Bohemian
    Bookmark
    Book Review
    Boutis
    Bretsche
    Broche
    Brodse
    Byzantine Embroidery
    Cabinet Of Curiosities
    Canvas Work
    Caren Garfen
    Carolyn Pearce
    Castello Buonconsiglio
    Chasuble
    Children
    China
    Christmas
    Church Heritage Museum Vilnius
    Cope
    Coton A Broder
    Crafts Market
    Crete
    Crewel Embroidery
    Crossstitch
    Czech Republic
    Darning Patterns
    Debbie Rowley
    Diocesan Museum Augsburg
    Diocesan Museum Bamberg
    Diocesan Museum Eichstätt
    Diocesan Museum Trento
    Diözesanmuseum Brixen
    Dommuseum Fulda
    Dr Alexandra Makin
    Ebook
    Egerer Antependium
    Elisabeth Bräuer
    Elisabeth Bräuer
    Elisabeth Roulleau
    Embroiderers
    Embroidery
    Embroidery Hoops
    Embroidery Tools
    Epigraphy
    Exhibition
    Fabrics
    Fallahi
    Federkielstickerei
    Finishing Techniques
    Flea Market Finds
    FlossTube
    Folk Costume
    FREE Pattern
    Germanisches Nationalmuseum
    Gingham
    Glazig
    Glentleiten
    Gold Threads
    Goldwork
    Görlitz
    Görlitzer Sammlungen
    Guild Regulations
    Hazel-blomkamp
    History
    Hl. Kunigunde
    House Of Embroidery
    Iceland
    Inspirations Magazine
    Italian Couching
    Italy
    Jen Goodwin
    Jewellry
    Journal Of Dress History
    Just Nan
    Kelley Aldridge
    Kits
    La Droguerie
    Lecture
    Liberty Silks
    Linen Vestments From Tyrol
    London
    Louvre
    LoveCrafts
    Lusatia
    Madder
    Maison Sajou
    Marienberg Abbey
    Marketing
    Mary Corbet
    Metal Threads
    Miao People
    Middle Ages
    Millie Marotta
    Mindelheim
    M. Maurer
    Mokuba
    Moni Arkadi
    Monogram Stencils
    Mounting
    Munich
    Musee Cluny
    Museum Der Schwalm
    Nathalie Cichon
    National Silk Museum
    Nativity
    Needle Binding
    Needle Lace
    Needlepoint
    Negergarn
    Nordic Needle
    Online Class
    Opus Anglicanum
    Palestinian Embroidery
    Paris
    Pascal Jaouen
    Pattern Darning
    Plumetis Express
    Pope Francis
    Professional Embroidery Course
    Pronkrol
    Rationale
    Regensburger Domschatz
    Renaissance
    Ribbon Embroidery
    Riolis
    Romania
    Royal Garden
    Royal School Of Needlework
    Rüstkammer Dresden
    Samplers
    Schwalm
    Scissors
    Sherryll Cuneo
    Silesia
    Silk Ribbon
    Silk Shading
    Slate Frame
    Speyer
    Stadmuseum Klausen
    St Cuthbert
    Sternenmantel
    Stitchers Box
    StitchyBox
    St Laurence
    St Nick
    St Paul Im Lavanttal
    Stralsund
    Strawberry Fayre
    Studio
    Stumpwork
    Tambour Embroidery
    Tanya Bentham
    Tenntrådsbroderier
    Textile Art
    Textile Fair
    Thimble
    Tutorial
    Tyrol
    Ultramod
    Underside Couching
    Uta Chasuble
    Valdani
    Vestments
    Vic Cope
    Vienna
    Vierfachgarn
    Villach-Judendorf
    Webshop
    Whitework
    William Morris
    Workshop
    Yvette Stanton
    Zardozi
    Zweigart

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014

Contact: info(at)jessicagrimm.com
Copyright Dr Jessica M. Grimm - Mandlweg 3, 82488 Bad Ettal, Deutschland - +49(0)8822 2782219 (Weekdays 9.00-17.00 CET)

Impressum - Legal Notice - Datenschutzerklärung - Privacy Policy - Webshop ABG - Widerrufsrecht - Disclaimer
EN | DE | NL
  • Home
  • Research
  • Learn
    • Setting up a Slate Frame
    • Events
    • Lectures
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Workshop Halberstadt
    • Medieval Goldwork Course
    • Medieval Embroidery Study Group
    • FlossTube with the Acupictrix
  • Blog
    • Embroidery Projects & Techniques
    • Embroidery Tools & Materials
    • Research articles
    • Book Reviews
    • Other Reviews
    • Exhibitions
  • Webshop
  • About
    • Contact
    • Curriculum Vitae
  • Startseite
  • Forschung
  • Sticken lernen
    • Stickrahmen einspannen
    • Veranstaltungen
    • Vorträge
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Stickkurs Halberstadt
    • Mittelalterliche Goldstickereikurs
    • Studiengruppe mittelalterliche Stickerei
    • Die Acupictrix auf FlossTube
  • Blog
  • Webshop
  • Über
    • Kontakt
    • Lebenslauf
  • Startpagina
  • Onderzoek
  • Leren borduren
    • Opspannen Slate Frame
    • Evenementen
    • Lezingen
    • Alpine Experience 2023
    • Workshop Glentleiten
    • Workshop Halberstadt
    • Cursus middeleeuws goudborduren
    • Studiegroep middeleeuws borduren
    • FlossTube met de Acupictrix
  • Blog
  • Webshop
  • Even voorstellen
    • Contact
    • Curriculum Vitae