Excerpts from Aisling's Artfest 2001 Journal:

5 Apr 2001

The time I spent repacking yesterday, is paying off today. I could find what I needed to implement ideas today. On a bigger scale, I need to do this same kind of organizing of my supplies at home, too.

But now it's time for me to shift gears for the rest of Artfest, somewhat moving away from work, in favor of collecting ideas and writing them down.

In the dorm, I used my compass to get my bearings, and found a 180-degree compass swing in my dorm room and the corridors. It's EMF from exposed electrical wiring in the basement, below my room. Amazing. People actually lived here...?

After dinner, I took more time to work on my totebag from Artfest. Just showing my Annie pins to others, to get an idea of pricing, the pins already sold out. I'll need to make more for vendor night. This is good.

At the orientation presentation, Claudine H. was astonishingly young, which is inspiring. Some people do figure things out, early. Her presentation seemed fun, flighty & irreverent, but her smart business sense showed through. I was impressed.

Nina Bagley--pronounced NINE-uhh--gave an endearing personal slide show. Her "fork in the road" design showed a great use for grommets, to hold an object in place. Also, hammering into metal to form words, maybe like tooling leather, seems brilliant. Several great ideas, including reworking artbooks using antique leather bookcovers.

6 - 7 Apr 2001

[Mostly, I made notes of things to do at home, things to bring or leave at home next year, and so on.]

Next year, bring my own silk sheets. I keep waking up, tangled in polyester blend. The hot water bottle was good, keeping me warm on chilly nights. My lace curtain for the window is good too. Next year, a candle or two for the odor, but then of course they probably won't be doing the same construction stuff on the property either.

Next year, start making swaps earlier. Necklaces vanished quickly, and people are actually wearing them. So cool. So flattering.

The thing is, there are far more amazingly competent and talented artists here than I've ever seen in one place at one time. And the support is also jaw-droppingly astonishing.

A few people are brusque, and boy do they stand out. I feel sorry for them, because it's probably that they're just shy and feel awkward in this sea of high spirits and boisterous conversations. But you can count them on one hand.

Still, I need to make a point to chat with more people, especially the ones who seem reserved. I want everyone to have a fabulous, life-changing experience here. I certainly am changing, Big Time.

Thank-yous to people who helped me so much: Jill, Robyn, Albie, Pascale, Claudine, Bird, Tracey, Teesha, Eileen... uh-oh, this list is going to be long. And when I get home, I suspect I'll be too busy to even think of this. Still, thanks are important. I need to work on that. I also need a real schedule to keep in focus and on track.

To do at home: More fantasy at aisling.net. Next zines should have pocket in back w/collage elements?

Start using manila folders as envelopes, combining with fabric art/techniques. Send stuff to Home/Arts too, Loretta is a funny, charming lady.

When you hit the wall, naps are good. So is chocolate.

Next year, bring more munchies, protein bars esp. and more stuff to drink. Cocoa and s/g to heat the water? Maybe.

Swimming was good during brief sunshine. Water wasn't as cold as I was expecting, and the ocean is so clear here! I didn't tell anyone I was going to do it; I wanted it to be a personal accomplishment, not just something I did because I had an audience and felt like I had to. It was exhilarating to actually do this. Took three tries to actually get in the water up to my ears, though.

To read my final notes at the conclusion of Artfest 2001, click here.

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the cloth doll at the top of the page is Aisling's Journal Doll from Artfest 2001.
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