In all the flurry of happenings, I recently facilitated a Medieval Pottery workshop at the Kids Medieval Fun Day and have been working under the pump and around the clock preparing my wares for The Abbey Medieval Festival, held last weekend in the grounds of Abbeystowe (behind the Abbey Museum, Caboolture), and to the most glorious Winter weather I might add!
2014 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Abbey Medieval Festival and saw my 20th year of trading, and sadly my last year of trading. Yes, this is certainly one of my biggest decisions I have ever made in a long while - currently the event receives crowds of over 40,000 peeps coming through the gates, the most part of 6 mths of my year is devoted to preparing for the event - working on both, the medieval festival and exhibiting for my art practice is incredibly demanding of my time and something has to give, I know, now is the right time for me to hang up my medieval boots and move forward with my arts practice.
From humble beginnings, way back in 1994...
I would really like to thank everyone, who, over the cause of the weekend supported my decision and purchased the last of my stock, two full tables of pottery dwindled down to a couple of mugs, my third table of leather products was reduced considerably, props and all the bits and bobs were sold out. I am feeling a sense of overwhelming gratitude for all the support and warm gestures I received too, it was really mind blowing, I had no idea how much my stall was appreciated. Heart felt moments... especially when a lady from one of the re-enactment groups told me her story... each and every year her kids loved and would buy my lucky dips and now they were all grown up (between 25-30yrs old) and still treasure them, omg, how precious! And, I will certainly miss the fun, and the sense of community that is shared behind the scenes - a credit to all the Staff & volunteers at the Abbey Museum - fond memories I will cherish forever! ♥♥♥
Big decision Kim - but good on you for reviewing your life and working out where things fits. It has been an enormous and rich part of your life and leaves you with so many wonderful memories...
ReplyDeleteHi Fiona, yes a big decision, all good things come to an end and like you say it has been an enormous and rich part of my life - I leave with many fond memories! I look forward to going next year as a spectator.
Deletedarn, I should have bought ten bajillion lucky dips, my kids love them lol. Best of luck for the future :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to disappoint you and your kids about the lucky dips Madeleine. I think I almost made ten bajillion of them this year too! There are still a few left over, heads up... keep an eye out for next year at the festival, I do have a buyer for the rest of them :-)
DeleteWow, I love the photos and so happy that it such a nice experience the end of the journey.
ReplyDeleteA x
Thanks A. K x
DeleteWill miss buying your stuff every year, I have a lovely little collection now, and will treasure it!! Best of luck with your arts practice!! Kirsty Mulley
ReplyDeleteHi Kirsty, I really appreciate your kind words and thank you for your support over the years and purchasing my work. Regards, Kim :-)
DeleteHi K - closing one door can offer the opportunity to go through others - so well done on 20 years and may new doors open that offer rooms of creative enjoyment. B
ReplyDeleteThanks B, your words of wisdom and well wishes are warmly appreciated. K x
DeleteCongratulations on all your sales! I know it must be hard to give up something you've done for so long, but I'm sure you've made the right decision if you're following your heart. All the best to you, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharmon. The decision was a difficult one in many ways, however like you say, following your heart is generally always the best decision...
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