Carving Show Etiquette Question

[BeckyLil]

I won't be making the Dayton show but there is one coming up in Illinois in a couple of weeks that I plan to attend. I have only been to one show and it was just a local club's (which I have since joined). It was in a church basement and about as informal as you can get. I'd like to know a little more about the appropriate etiquette of these bigger shows.

I've got enough common sense that I wouldn't just grab someone's carving to look at more closely without first asking for permission to touch. I would also assume a "you break it, you bought it" rule.

Is it permissable to take a camera? I would definitely ask permission before taking a picture of anyone's work but do they even let them in? I know I will see a lot of great stuff there and I sure can't afford to buy it all, lol. I think some pictures of things I admire would be useful both as guides and incentives. Are people usually OK with that or not?

I am fairly new to this and very enthusiastic. Is there anything else I should know *not* to do so as not to be a complete boob? I will ask questions about things and fully expect to make lots of compliments but will not be a pest if the person doesn't want to talk or if there are others wanting to talk with the artist. I will try really hard not to drool. Anything else I should know going in?

[BillinO]

Hi Becky I took my camera to the Omaha show earlier this month. I asked each carver If I could Photo their carvings, no one said no to me. Some even positioned the carving to get the best shot of the detail I was looking for. I told them all my carvings are for me or given to friends and family I do not sell any. Hope this helps.

Bill in Omaha

[Iowa Carver]

Becky, I did the same as Will at the show in Omaha. I asked everyone and most posed proud as heck of their accomplishments. I talked to a fellow on another forum and I think he told me in 20 years of going to shows only one person has ever told him no. Have fun at the show!

Corey

[BeckyLil]

Thanks. Sounds great. I will go with camera in hand then. That will be wonderful. I guess the rest really is just common sense.

I am really looking forward to the show. I am not sure what all I will find there but it is fun to imagine. I just hope I don't do bad things to the credit card.

There's another show right here in town the weekend after Thanksgiving. I am told it is growing every year so I look forward to that one too.

[dnstehly]

BeckyLil, I've been showing for thirty years and in that time I've seen all kinds. Very rarely does anyone ask permission to photograph my work. I do appreciate it when they do. If the shows in your part of the country are similar to those in which I participate I think you will find most carvers more than willing to discuss their work and share ideas. I view each show that I do as an opportunity to both teach and to learn.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Becky. Take your camera but always ask. Any carver proud of his or her work will be glad to have you snap a photo.

One important thing to remember: Never refer to a carvers efforts as "stuff", i.e., "Your stuff is really nice!" Stuff is something you cram into the back of the closet or up in the attic it really doesn't apply to woodcarvings. The only stuff I take to a woodcarving show are the empty boxes I hide under the display table.

[heineda]

Becky,

What show in Chicago are you planning to attend? The North Suburban Carvers show is 10/25 and 10/26 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheraton, IL. This is one of the premier shows in the midwest, and I attend every year. As far as ettiquette(sic???), never touch someone elses carvings without their permission. They will be happy to talk to you and tell you all about it, but picking it up can make them very nervous. I do not know ablout cameras. As long as you dot use the camera to create patterns to duplicate someone elses creation, I don't think it would be a problem.

I have not found a carver yet that is not generous with his/her knowledge, and happy to talk shop to another carver.

Dan

[BeckyLil]

Thanks, Lynn. I will remove the word "stuff" from my vocabulary! Thanks for the tip. I meant no harm by that word but can see how some might find it disrespectful.

I am going to the show in Belleville, IL (Nov 1-2). It's a lot closer to home. Then there is a smaller one here in town the weekend after Thanksgiving.

I don't have the skill (yet) to duplicate anyone else's work. I am going to be inspired and see new ideas and techniques. And, of course, to learn and probably spend at least a little money.

I'm really looking forward to it and am grateful for all of your thoughts.

[MichelleOH]

Originally Posted by BeckyLil

Thanks, Lynn. I will remove the word "stuff" from my vocabulary! Thanks for the tip. I meant no harm by that word but can see how some might find it disrespectful.

I'm guilty of that, too, Becky. Hey, at least I've upgraded from the word "crap". I'm trying to use words like creation, work, art, and item instead. It's a hard habit to break when you don't mean it negatively.

[cannuckcarver]

One thing you have to do when you comeback is to share the adventure with us here...lol
I am going to participate to my first show soon and I am nervous...I for sure am going to hear the word stuff a lots...folks here are rude by nature...NO JOKE...