Judy Dunn is right. I don’t need to give you a detailed description of what went on at Synergy. There are many people doing an excellent job of it. Plus they’ve got photos, which I don’t. (left the camera in the bag most of the time) What I can do is give you my impressions.
Overall the conference was excellent. Really and truly. The organizers did a fantastic job. Registration was simple. The schedule was packed with first rate seminars, speakers and panel discussions. The location was great. Being in the Baltimore Convention Center at the same time as a huge American Craft Council show was interesting. The show was huge, overwhelmingly huge. The quality of the artists participating in the show was phenomenal. It was both stimulating (possibly over stimulating) and humbling. Really really humbling for someone (me) who aspires to be a jewelry artist.
If I have any criticism, it is that the schedule seemed almost too busy. There was so little time to socialize. But I am not adamant about the schedule, because if it had been more open time wise, it might have felt like the pace was too slow. All in all, it was a lot to take in, in a very concentrated amount of time.
Underlying themes to all the seminars, panelists etc.: Challenge yourself to be the best you can be. Make your work unique and personal. Be proud of the work you put out into the world. We are building on a short but rich history of polymer clay art.
I enjoyed all my seminars, but the 2 that really resonated with me were the creativity seminars I took with Robert Dancik and Dayle Doroshow. They had different approaches, but they gave me a toolbox (more like a suitcase) of ideas to challenge and stimulate my work. Ideas on how to get going when I stall. What a gift to take away!
The gallery was really fun. It was great to see so much amazing work by artists I knew of and many I didn’t. I added some great pieces to my polymer clay wardrobe. And it was a kick to see people excited about my work.
Getting back to normal may take awhile. There’s the usual craziness at home when I have been away for awhile. Less than usual, but it’s still busy. The blog/website disaster has really strained my energy and enthusiasm. And I’ve got a bit of a stomach bug. When that passes, I’ll dig into my notes and get my “butt in the chair”.
{ 0 comments… add one now }