The Folsom Experience

I had my booth at Folsom Fair North on Sunday. For those not in the know, Folsom Fair originated in San Francisco. What originally began as a small leather/bear street party on Folsom Street soon grew to become a huge annual event. Thanks to the disgusting constraints at the U.S. border banning any HIV+ people from entering, promoters here (thanks John and Dean) decided instead to bring the party to Toronto. At least something good has come out of such a bigoted rule instituted by the american government. This is the third year for the party in Canada, and it's grown every year to now include a live stage, beer garden, vendor and art booths.

One of the booths was from Steamworks. As I walked by, I was taken aback by a wall with cartoon drawings of 3 men, bent over holding rather large, swollen, red asses wide open, not unlike this. To make matters worse, when I walked by a while later, I saw people throwing life-sized fists through the assholes to win a prize. Twisted and Brilliant.

From my booth I could see the porno tent. There were 2 porn stars working the booth, one of whom was absolutely gorgeous. I'd have done him, or let him do whatever to me, in a second. Never got his name though. Guess I'll just have to keep renting movie after movie until I find out who he is. There was also another booth with XXX movies playing. At least it was something to watch if I got bored.

It rained in the morning. It rained a lot. Pretty much downpoured on and off from 9AM until 3PM. After that, the clouds broke, the sun came out and the humidity returned. Despite all that, there were still a fair amount of people that came to check the park out before the sun.

Lots of great people watching too. Like the man in the red boots, fishnet stockings, leather hotpants and vest and cowboy hat. Or the guy with the dog head shaped gimp mask. Or the 800 year old man wearing nothing but a jock. Or the rather large woman who took half an hour (no exaggerating) to squeeze into (and spill out of) a chainmail boustier. As ridiculous as they may have looked, it was a fetish fair, and I think it's awesome that they felt comfortable and secure enough to wear their favourite gear out for the day. Besides, I'm not one to talk. I've worn my share of fetish gear to various events throughout the years. But there are limits.

I will not ever, ever, ever condone black socks with dress shoes worn with anything else but dress pants. Imagine the sight of a middle aged man walking around in nothing but his tightie whities - and black socks with dress shoes. Oh the horror. It was even worse when I spotted him walking around naked later. Eww.

As for my booth, I had a lot of traffic, made a few contacts, and got rid of a lot of business cards. Unfortunately, no one bought anything, but there were a few interests. I wasn't really expecting to sell anything anyways (though it would have been nice). It wasn't the type of venue where people would be bringing a ton of extra cash to purchase a piece of art and then walk around with it. Especially considering the weather. I did however, get a lot of compliments, which was very nice, and a lot of exposure.

I'm just a new artist. As such, I don't believe that I can command the high prices that some other people do. I'd rather my art get purchased people who don't want, or can't afford to pay the high prices for original pieces. As long as I cover the expenses of the piece, and make a little money, then I'm happy. Personally, I think a lot of art is overpriced anyways. I understand that some artists are trying to make a living, but still. I actually even had someone walk in, tell me that my work was good, but then remark in a condescending tone that I should "jack up my prices." Asshole.

In the end it was a good day. A fun day, even despite the rain. The temperature was warm, so the wet didn't matter. Plus we desperately needed the rain. It's been very hot and humid for the past few weeks. Q and Krista also kept me company and helped me set up and take down the booth. Having them around help make a long day fun.

Like I said, I didn't sell anything, but overall it was a success.