To Art Fair, or not to Art Fair; that is the question...

So, yesterday was a ‘me’ day, so I buggered off down to London Town for The Other Art Fair and some urban Shoreditch inspiration. I totally lucked out with the weather as it was a glorious sunny Spring Day, so no need for the brolly (which I always lose anyway). Didn’t luck out so much with the train journey as the Avanti trains weren’t running, so had to get the slow train from Brum. *yawn*

I love London. It will always be special to me. I would never live there again, but I had some of the best times of my life in London and it’s where I found my crew and formed my identity. I get down there as often as I can, and always come back full of ideas. Couldn’t live there though. I consider myself a Brummie, having lived here since 1992 but you can’t take the London out of the (old) girl.

I jumped on the tube to Old Street. It’s a bit of a walk to Brick Lane but my sis used to live in Old Street, so I wanted to see how it has changed. I came out of the right exit which is an achievement considering it is about 25 years since she lived there (is that right Jen?). But couldn’t remember her old road so just mooched through Shoreditch to Brick Lane. A lovely young man (I sound like my Mum) said he liked my colours, which put a spring in my step (even more like my Mum). The vibe around that part of London is buzzing, with the graffiti in every nook, cranny and doorway, street food vendors, beatboxing buskers, and vintage shops. All feels very festive and makes me wish my daughter is with me. It really is the best place to people watch and I’m loving all the funky folks. It’s easier to be different in London. Anything goes, like literally (now I sound like my daughter (14) anything goes. 

I eventually find The Other Art Fair and after 5 minutes of fiddling with my phone to find the flipping e-ticket (I still struggle, ask me husband lol), I’m in. I’m immediately smacked in the face by all the colours.

So, I love art fairs generally but I’m scoping this one, as it’s a fair for artists to connect with and sell, directly to their buyers and collectors. It’s got a good rep so I’m considering doing it this year, or next.

The work is very eclectic, but it all looks very well presented and the artists really seem to be having fun with it. Feels like my kind of place.

There are a few stand out artists for me including Alexander Randall who uses concrete on linen or mirror. He then paints the concrete to give the impression of a hologram pigment. It’s art that you must get closer to, to work out what it is. Very interesting and original.

I also really enjoyed the energy and vibrance of Jessie Woodward’s abstract canvasses. One to add to my shopping list for when I’ve got some pence to spare. She also had some business cards on offer that were all different designs. Really like that idea.

Finally, I met Sophie Abbott who is one of my favourite artists. Her simple abstract seas and sunsets look like huge scoops of sorbet or massive marshmallows, and her outfit matched. Like minds lol. Her paintings are the epitome of Brighton (where she is based) on a sunny day. And while we are about my favourite places to be, Brighton is right up there.

Ok, so to art fair, or not to art fair? Well, having quizzed a few of the lovely artists, the consensus is that the fair is usually a great place to sell, connect with buyers and art world people, and each other. There were fewer sales at this fair than there usually is, due to the pinch of the stampeding rise in the cost of living but I still saw a lot of red dots. I also noticed that the red dots were largely next to the brightest, most vibrant, and joyful paintings, so I think I’d fit right in, don’t you?