OUAN602 - PPP3: HIVE (Harrogate International Visual Arts Expo)

OUAN602 - PPP3:

HIVE

In order for me to learn a little bit more about presenting myself as an artist, how professionalism works, and how I could possibly brand myself, I decided it would be best to observe first-hand how the industry does this via events and public art presentations. I caught news of an annual expo that happened in my hometown of Harrogate called HIVE. It made sense to go and check it out considering it may have some opportunities and contacts closer to home - I'd love to go back and work in Harrogate at some point as although an expensive place to live, work is always available and it's a prosperous place for artists.

We arrived at the Harrogate International Centre, of which I've never actually been before despite it being on my doorstep, and received a program showcasing all the artists and their best works. The event was free to enter, however you had the opportunity to purchase original pieces if you so wished. There was a wide variety of talent and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some of the sculpture work they had on show.

Most of the work was incredibly modern, some of which was not to my taste, but it was lovely seeing such a diverse range of styles and techniques. There wasn't much in the way of digital media or animation-related works, however technical ability is always good for an animator to observe and learn from, as isn't animation practically moving art? There were some artists' pieces of which I actually visualised as animated shorts as they possessed a certain appeal that would transfer really well to screen. It was more about colour and texture and how the techniques really stood out and would flow nicely to make up a piece of moving image.

Being Harrogate however, there was a sense of extravagance as plenty of wealthy collectors were present and didn't look too approachable, I was interested in everything and wanted to talk to people! We did feel a bit out of place, but we had just as much right to enjoy it - art is for everyone and shouldn't be restricted to people of "money and status".

We left after roughly an hour as most of the artists were too busy to chat to us about their work, however I did notice that all of them were particularly well prepared in the marketing and branding area. They all had a means of obvious contact, social media, email, websites. All of which was featured on their business cards. I didn't feel that many of the business cards stood out of reflected the individual's personality or style too much, rather it was just a simple image of a piece of their work with their contact details. Animation is different in the sense that you can get away with not being too traditional and you have the lenience to use cartoons, stylised characters, and a more open way of expressing yourself through your business cards. Fine art can be quite restricted in terms of how you have to show yourself to the world...

All in all, it was an experience at the least and taught me to appreciate all art of all levels. Something that doesn't appeal to you might well be loved by someone else, even if it is just a line down a blank canvas that sells for millions...