Today I aimed to take it easy but ended up venturing to ‘The Westies’ Market in Emu Plains. I live pretty close but hadn’t committed to checking it out. I took myself to the Lewer’s Gallery for coffee, breakfast and a quiet reading session, and figured I would drop into the markets on the way back through. Once there, I was over the moon with the community vibe there!
I have grown up in the Penrith area. Although I moved away for several years, I have been back here for four years now, and the transformation here is just wonderful. There is an undercurrent happening in the arts and creative community, the High Street (which was kind of left for dead due to Westfield’s buying the Plaza) has started to come back to life with small and local business, there are regular community events utilising the river front… and there is a sudden surge of crazy amazing burger joints opening up. I’m in the lower Blue Mountains so will always consider myself a mountains girl, but I am becoming increasingly impressed and proud to have ties to the Penrith community.
One great element of going to the market today was just how friendly and supportive the local business and creative community are. The artist from ‘Hiccup Art’, Jeannie Deane, was so lovely and took time to share some of her experience with print making and offer advise. I felt kind of guilty and didn’t want her to think that I was just trolling for business tips, but the conversation happened fluidly out of a general chat. I walked away from the exchange feeling like there might be real possibilities for me with my creative pursuits. I stopped and chatted to several of the stall holders, each friendly and welcoming. I have done my share of market work, and it has been a long time since I attributed such a great vibe with a market set up.
Coming home after my mini adventure, I felt inspired and tackled yet another water colour rose. Seeing so many different kinds of people and creations, all connecting and engaging with the community gave me a sense of confidence in my art as my own creation. And I am so thrilled with the result.
As an introvert, the idea of networking and marketing is so daunting to me. But after today I saw just how enjoyable that element of a creative life can be. Maybe one day, when I grow up, I’ll even have my own stall!