Well, NEOS is over for another year and I’m glad of a little peace and quiet. (For new readers, NEOS is “North East Open Studios”, a yearly art event during which we hold a group exhibition for local artists) It all went very well, and to my surprise I sold quite a lot of things. However there was one funny incident, which I thought that the embroiderers who read this blog might appreciate
A man came into the exhibition, and after walking around for a while, settled in front of one of my pieces, a large embroidery featuring three crows in a tree. Finally he told one of the people there that he’d like to buy it. She took it off the wall, and said conversationally “Yes, it’s a lovely embroidery, isn’t it?”
He stared at her in horror. “You mean it’s an EMBROIDERY?” And he walked out of the door and left it behind
I thought this was very funny but I couldn’t figure out exactly what was wrong with embroidery. Someone suggested that perhaps he associated embroidery with old-fashioned handiwork like cross-stitch, and didn’t want to be seen buying crafty things like embroidery, when he meant to buy arty things like paintings. Oh well, it didn’t matter. And the piece was sold a couple of days later to someone who didn’t seem to mind that it was embroidery
The fact that he thought it was a fine art work was a nice compliment. Not wanting it when he found out it was a handworked embroidery is his loss. Perhaps he sent the ladies to get it for him. Men!
Posted by: Linda V | 09/28/2022 at 01:59 PM
It is a stunning piece of art! I do correct people who want me to make a blanket for them or a label for their quilt and call it a "patch". We have to continue to educate our clients. LOL
Jane
Posted by: Jane | 09/28/2022 at 05:19 PM
People are weird. I participate in an art market and can’t believe the things people say! My favorite: “ You’re prices are kinda high. Do you sell any?” How rude!
Luckily there are plenty of art lovers who appreciate our work and understand it’s value.
Congratulations on a successful event!
Posted by: Liz | 10/01/2022 at 03:08 PM
How bizarre and funny! I mean, I think it would be obvious that the piece was embroidery. How did he miss that? What did he think it was instead? And why react with horror? Sheesh. As someone else stated in the comments, people are weird. I’m glad the rest of the show went well and everyone else appreciated your stunning embroidery (as they should!! :)
Posted by: Yoshi | 10/03/2022 at 02:20 AM