Over the Autumn I contacted a range of ceramicists to ask where they displayed their work, which venues and events they felt were the most appropriate for them, and, just as important, given the amount of time and effort involved, which were the most enjoyable to take part in.
I was delighted with the number of responses and how generous people were with their advice to a relative newcomer like me.
My first contacts were people exhibiting decorative ceramics at Hatfield Art in Clay, so, as you would expect, they enjoyed being able to meet visitors and discuss their work. All were attending 3 or more events each year. Several valued the specialist fairs such as Oxford Ceramics Fair and Ceramic Art London, where visitors tend to be knowledgeable. The large weekend events such as Hatfield and Potfest also provided the opportunity to meet other potters. Art in Action and Oxford Ceramics Fair received special mentions for being very well organised, friendly events.
The question "Which of these venues do you find most suited to your work?" yielded very individual responses, depending on the type of work, with some people preferring gallery displays, especially for wall-mounted work. Others liked to show how their work would look in a more domestic interior setting, such as Open Studios. Specialist fairs allow the work to be seen in context with other, contemporary ceramics.
I was advised to conduct extensive research into the various venues, but then to try a selection and see what works for me. An interesting piece of advice was to only attend any one show for 2 or 3 years running, then have a break and return.
This is only a brief summary of a lot of fascinating feedback and advice, and my heartfelt thanks to those who took time to help.
My next blog will feature feedback from artists who chose a different route to exhibiting their work.
In the meantime, I will take the advice offered by survey respondents to:-
'Take every opportunity offered to you where you can show your work with integrity' and 'Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and do not let rejection put you off... try again and again'
