Rosseau Market

Tomorrow will be week four of the Rosseau Market. This is my first experience selling photography, and while the concept is in and of itself daunting, the environment is a perfect one in which to get one's feet wet. The market patrons have been very positive in their reaction to my work, and that has reinforced my confidence. I love what I do, and I think it is good, but validation from others -objective others- is important as well. My family and friends have been incredibly supportive and quick to praise, but their praise, while wonderful and honest, is different from that of an independent, third-party stranger. At least it is in my neurotic, sensitive little universe. Are all artists - and I cringe to qualify myself as such - so lacking in confidence and thirsty for validation? The ones I know seem to have such poise and confidence. Right now, I am happy just to hear feedback from people and get my 'stuff' out there; the many different people with whom I am interacting at the market have turned this experience that I feared into an enriching and stimulating dialogue that I now look forward to every week.

I am pleased to have joined the Huntsville Art Society; I am new as a resident in the area, though not as a visitor, and I really appreciate the encouragement and advice that members of the arts community have offered already in this short time. There is a refreshing passion and excitement here, an energy to draw upon, and a spirit of nurturing that is truly special.