Joe, Molly and the lane

now featuring Eevee and Brucie!

The ongoing blog of caravanner, holidayist and dog-lover

Jock E Wheel !

17. Oct, 2022

The Other Art Fair

Wow! A bit off piste and of course the dogs stayed at home!

So GOMMIE, artist and poet, and our son, exhibited at The Other Art Fair (this his third time). We visited on Sunday and had the most fantastic time. His space was adorned with his poems, paintings, posters and copies of his book, and it was lively to say the least.

Upon arrival, we were given instuctions by an excited GOMMIE on how to make a sale and how to fill in the sales dockets, and there were plenty of interested punters leafing through the posters, reading the wall hanging poems and musing through copies of his new book of sketches and poems I am Ill with Hope.

This Art Fair was exhibiting about 175 artists, and the range of work displayed covered an entire spectrum of art from £15 up to the high thousands (the one that Lyn really liked was, typically, £3,100).

Situated on the very busy Brick Lane, the flow through of visitors was very, very busy. We quickly got involved, grabbing a beer and some food on the go as the crowds came, smiling, interested and questioning.

Now this GOMMIE work is quite unique (Catalogue can be viewed at GOMMIE.COM or on Instagram), and with respect to him and all the other exhibiting artists, exhibiting like this is a bit of a risk, as each one is not only showing their work, but also selling, in some cases just to break even!

But the vibe is so good there, it is a lovely venue and I would just like to compliment everyone as a whole! This means the receptionists, organisers, the artists, the public, security guards, barmen and caterers! Just such a good feel-good factor and stunning, stunning artwork.

What I also love is the thousands of youngsters that visit, and the fact that great art can be affordable to anyone, the joy, spirit and happiness these guys bring with them as punters, viewers, photographers or conversationalists fucking inspires me. Power to you lovely people! You made us feel brand new! We were so welcomed and involved it was truly humbling. Thank you thank you thank you!

Whatever comes out of the Other Art Fair is totally enriching and rewarding!

Alongside the GOMMIE display booth we were indeed fortunate to meet some of his fantastic exhibiting artist neighbours, Clay Sinclair, Isaac Emokpae and the lovely Michelle Yap. Thanks Michelle also for inviting us to Malaysia! from where, when we visit, we can start contemplating your idea of getting the lad to the Tokyo art fair! Far Out! Far East!

Just brilliant! I talked to a lovely lady who bought a poster and was interested in getting a commission. To be at this event for three days must've been awesome!

Then we met and chatted with the delightful Jacqui Harrison, with her beautiful canal scenes and who, upon saying goodbye on the way out had just happily sold a big piece near to the end of the show. Well done Jacqui, we will also be coming in for a piece!

Finally we met Alice.

What did Bernard Matthews say?

Bootiful!

Great day, great art, great work!

Jock