Thursday, August 11, 2011

Prepararing and improvising



Since I started taking improv classes in the beginning of January, I've spent a lot of time thinking about improvising. And I'm not talking solely about comedy shows, but the very process of creative, uninhibited thinking that goes along with doing improv. When I did the Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival this past weekend, my improv training came into use.

When I got to the show, I discovered that I had a BEAUTIFUL view of the lake. I also discovered that my booth space was on a 4" slope leading to the ocean. It's not exactly an ideal situation for displaying jewelry if everything can slide off the tables. While my friend Mack and I set up as much as we could, I decided to leave most of the work for Saturday, after I had a chance to look for something I could level out the tables with.

The answer: books! I'm lucky enough to have a used book addiction, and a plethora of paperbacks and hardcover books in a variety of sizes. After protecting my books in plastic grocery bags, I promptly put them under my tables and my mannequin.


Improvising well involves being prepared, oddly enough. Having an agenda is the death of a good improv show, paying attention to what's around you and working with what's in front of you is ideal. It seems to work for art fairs too.

Aluminum chain mail jewelry
Handmade chainmail jewelry

2 comments:

  1. Hurray for used book addictions! My favorite place is Bookmans in Tucson, Arizona. The store is so huge, they give you a floor plan so you don't get lost!

    I'm glad you were able to do some creative problem solving! It's such an important skill, and one that can only improve with practice.

    Much love,

    Sarah (who, along with her spousal unit, took classes with you and Rebecca at B3)

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  2. Hello Sarah!

    It's good to hear from you. I hope you and your spousal unit are doing well and making lots of lovely chainmaille.

    I couldn't even imagine a used book store that big. I would make a pilgrimage there to a place like that.

    Much love to you as well!

    Vanessa

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