Where did the year go?
Well, this year things definitely got back to normal…my normal anyway. Markets, festivals and pop ups with many miles in between. I’d promised myself that I would do less travelling and more painting, keeping to the North West, Shropshire and the Llangollen canal and but forgot that promise in the first few months of the trading year. Although overall I didn’t travel as far distance wise, as many miles were covered as in previous years, by to-ing and fro-ing. I did slow down over the latter part of the year, so learning is happening. I really do intend to address this habit next year!
Markets and Festivals
The Art Boat attended quite a few RCTA markets this year. The organisation that goes into making these markets happen is immense, and I always appreciate getting the chance to attend. The first one, Easter at Great Haywood is always a favourite as I get to reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. The market is really well supported by the local community, but also attracts visitors from further afield.
I managed to get to quite a few festivals this year including three new (to me) ones.
Norbury is a canal festival that I always wanted to do but was never in the area.
Chester IWA were celebrating 250 years of inland waterway history, and I was delighted to be a part of it. Chester has always felt like my second home.
Whitchurch Canal Festival a hidden gem that I will definitely visit again. Organised by lovely people and a great goody bag for visiting boats full of little edibles that were spot on for a busy trading boat with no time to cook!
Pop ups with friends
I have spent quite a bit of this year trading with friends. Including the whole of October with The Hippie Boat and the Toastie Boat. It has been a great experience, not only because they are friends, but they inspire me too. The work Jules and Pete put into their fair trade clothing business is amazing, and they have amassed quite a following. No matter how far they have travelled and how many hours they have put into a day their enthusiasm never wains and is infectious.
The Llangollen Canal
What a beautiful canal. So inspiring, and not a stranger to floating artists who are inevitably drawn to the wonderful scenery. I have managed one painting so far of this beautiful area, but many more are floating around in my head, waiting for the time. The original of this painting has gone, but you can buy hand embellished prints here. here.
My beautiful, organised workspace!
My lovely daughter has been decorating my boat including my workspace which has been sorely in need of a lick of paint for a long while. I can’t wait until after Christmas to start using it properly.
Next Year
I am ending my year focusing on commissions for early 2023.
Tonka is booked in for blacking in early January, and it will be the first time in the 12 years since I have owned her that I have done the work myself. This could be interesting…I’ll let you know how I get on!
As usual most of winter will be spent getting work ready for next year’s Art Boat tour. The idea so far is that I won’t be following the usual festivals and markets next year, but plan to travel alongside The Hippie Boat and the Toastie Boat, for at least the first half of the summer. Lots of places new to me and Tonka. I am really excited and can’t wait to share a rough itinerary when it gets nearer to setting off on the tour!
Take care. Have a fabulous Christmas and New Year,
Until next time,
Jan x