I’ve learned quite a few lesson in the short years that I have devoted to creativelybijou. They have ranged from surprising, to embarrassing, to interesting and even amusing (in hindsight that is…). Today, I will share with you my most recent learning experience, one that is equal measures sad and silly not to mention completely avoidable. Have I piqued your interest? Good— enough being coy and I will begin to share my tale.
Today’s offbeat anecdote is centered on recent events. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to display my prints and originals in a couple of awesome local cafes & businesses. I have been able to pick which pieces I would like to place on the shelf and have been delighted to see that many have found their very own special homes because of it. Part of the deal with entrusting your artwork to the display is the knowledge that they must survive the elements of a public life on display. They must be willing and able to take on the west and tear off being handled and being around the dangers of an excellent cup of very much liquid coffee. Though I knew the theory of these dangers, even gave it a thought or two before brushing it off as “unlikely”, the time finally came where the stove top burned my careless fingers. Now this is of course a simple metaphor, I did not wander to any stovetops in the learnings of this lesson. I did, however, find out first hand the absolute importance of vigilant packaging.
Ah, packaging… something that I prided myself on. I was so proud and felt I was so smart and clever, not to mention a Good Samaritan, by creating handmade packaging from repurposed materials for every aspect of my packaging materials. From plastic to cardboard, I made sure that I was doing my part and reducing my businesses footprint on the world. I always did my best but the main snag, or challenge I face in this practice dealt with reusing plastic. Though, I learned which plastics were most clear and best to reuse for my pieces, most had battle scars that needed mending and stitching. Many of my makeshift plastics also had some crinkling or opacity that made it more difficult to see the dazzle of the colors underneath. More importantly, many of the plastics, though mostly water resistant, were not waterproof by any measure. A quick splash of water or coffee would prove safe but a complete dousing would not withstand.
So, cognoscente of these flaws, I ventured to my display and left my prints and originals wrapped in a windbreaker instead of a stormtrooper. As I waved goodbye to my lovelies and left the cafe I sealed their fate, trusting in the care and coordination of the patrons that were to come. Unfortunately, on my return I came to found a grizzly scene indeed. One of my originals was warped, stained and drenched with the familiar brown of a well brewed coffee while two more of my prints were also marked by the same catastrophe— the great spill of Fall. Though I was devastated at first to see the trauma (and death) of my mind minions, scarred and scared I am sure they were, I was mostly disappointed in myself for allowing my packaging to be so susceptible to everyday accidents.
This loss has made me rethink and replan how I approach my packaging. Though I still believe it is very important to repurpose and upcycle as much as I can with my packaging I have also come to the realization that it is equally important to make sure the plastic I am using is more akin to an Alcatraz than hippie camp if I would like to make sure to preserve my art work. For this reason, I have decided to move towards the use of new art sleeves for my packaging. Hopefully this will not only protect my pieces from future devastation, but also allow for a cleaner visual while on display.
Packaging is so important and I believe there is a fine line between caring for the earth as well as caring for your product. I will continue to flirt with this line as I believe it to be important for everyone to try and reduce their waste but I have now learned that there is a necessity to also protect your own work.
I hope you have enjoyed this week’s offbeat anecdote and hope you will tune in next Sunday at 10am for another.
As always,
Keep it offbeat!
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