I feared my offering would be a failure. I had concerns about getting to the venue safely. I was worried that my poor Japanese would be a burden for everyone. I was intimidated by comparing myself to the other artists. I was sure that I’d be a punk misfit in a mix of hippies.
Only the last statement was true. The rest of the anxieties weren’t as real as I thought.
I arrived early to have plenty of time to set up the booth. Tod & I placed the tent at the end of the deck where there was a flat spot. Tod helped me peg it to the ground and I spent a fair part of the morning tying off things that flapped in the gusty wind.
After the event opened at 11 nearly two hours passed and nobody stopped by my booth. I was suffering the same way I do when everyone is “fashionably late” for the party I prepared. But eventually a man with genuine interest sat down. He focussed right in and I could see in his face that he’d gotten to a flow state. Uninterruptible, even by children and drums.
After that there was a pretty good stream of people coming by and doing art meditation. Twelve in total, including a several artists and vendors who wanted to participate after the festival closed at 5 pm. So I stayed open ’til about 6.
I truly appreciated visitors thoughtful comments:
“I am happy that could make some art at the art festival.”
“This booth is really a good space, so comfortable and it looks nice.”
“That was fun.”
So as usual, I ended up with a big sense of relief and had a good time despite my concerns.
- All of my materials fit into The Cow – yay for minivans – and we safely navigated the narrow mountain road that Tilly rolled off in May 2019. (see below)
- Enjoyed lunch of Indian curry & chai from Aozora Cafe.
- Drew multiple meditations as examples and to fill time.
- Bartered an Art Meditation kit for a massage with Masaki-san.
- Executed a live drawing during the drum session that was happening on the deck next to me.
- Asked Miho about the local sketch group because I’d really like to be involved with more creative arts people. I’ll make sure to go to the next meetup.
I was scheduled to be at the festival for fours days, but Typhoon #9 is blowing through and the festival’s Friday and Saturday activities are moving indoors or cancelled. I could go back on Sunday, though maybe I shouldn’t…my back is screaming at me today. Also I think one successful trip up the mountain is enough. I do not want a repeat of 2019.
