Trade Shows

I went to Eco Build at Excel today - utterly vast trade show/building/supplies event. I go to these things to research materials, see what's available, current technology, and so on. I go with many hats on, artist, maker, writer and perhaps a slightly geeky one too.

ecobuild

I also regularly go to trade shows in video, broadcast, print and advertising media. Over the years I have had many interesting conversations with industry people about products and ideas, and see what technology is in vogue - the growth of HD video and now 3D.

It's not that I go for ideas, but I go to walk about, see what I come across, and what ideas that will spark, perhaps in a similar way to how I wander museums and galleries.

I often store up ideas that would be great if I got some funding for a show, or ranges of products I would like to make, or how I would use some of these gadgets if I made specific work for them - perhaps my store of ideas will be another page.

I have also been to photography events where practitioners are employed to make work in order to show off the equipment - today there was a sculpture by an artist waynewarren  which is a mixed media plastic cube. I can't remember what company had commissioned it, but I am always alive to such possibilities for myself as an artist, and often these opportunities are created by meeting people, and having the nerve and the good, apt idea to suggest.

wayne warren

www.waynewarren 

At these shows there is alot of creativity, and also alot of lack of creativity. Like the visual arts on display, sometimes the stands have to appeal and draw people in at a first glance. I often ponder why some displays are successful or not, and which I prefer. Visual choices.

Today there was a lovely sweep of columns made from tall cardboard rolls - these elegant solutions can be more impressive than architectural glass.
There is so much I have to say about these shows - the other aspect is the little freebies and products, the printed material and fliers. Expos are a great way to try out what works, what I may have at exhibitions, etc, eg, today I picked up a little laminated business card with a little 2GB flip-up memory stick integrated within it. What a great thing that may be for me to give gallerists or curators, etc, as my business card/portfolio, or what an apt way that may be for me to sell moving image.

I come back with a little stack of things, a store of ideas, some of which I integrate into my current thinking and intent, and the rest I add to my internal repertoire of materials, techniques, and resources to tap into when required. In other words, it feeds my mind as a person and as an artist.

1st March 2011