CRAFT SHOWS One of my friends recommended a show to me so I thought I'd see what I could find out about the show. Through the World Wide Web I clicked to the show's site and began to read about the event. The artfair prospectus listed the details of attendance, history, deadlines, photos, and a layout of the show. The Fair information looked good to me, so I down loaded, with a single mouse click, a copy of the prospectus, and application information. It's been about three years since a majority of the quality shows in the U.S. have adopted a countrywide standard artfair application form. It's hard to believe that just a few years ago the craftspeople had to fill out a different form for each show. I checked my crafts electronic calendar for the dates of this show to see if it would fit into my schedule of shows. The program uses different colors for all the show dates, those applied for, and and those fairs accepted and easily told me that the time for this new show was open. On the basis of my friend's urging, my open scedule, and the prospectus I decided to apply for that show, so I made a copy of my already filled out standard artfair application and attached the photo images (eletronic slides) that I had chosen from my compusers's digital image library. I sent the forms and "slides" along with the web dollars for the application fee (safe payment now) by E-mail to the show site. I immediately received confirmation that they were received and that the application was complete. The jury coordinator collects all these applications and forwards copies by E-mail to all the jurors who fill out score sheets on the sldes that they view on their computer screen, in the comfort of their own home. When their viewing is done the jurors return the scores to the show. The results are compiled and acceptances and rejections are sent to the applicant directly by E-mail.
ELETRONIC IMAGES Digital photography has made life much easier for the craftsperson. Getting images electronically requires a digital or video camera that is connected to your computer and requires no photo finishing or slides. The image is captured directly into the computer. With photo capture, there is the luxury of being able to see what will be the results of your photo before it is actually taken. With a digital or video camera your product shot is seen on the computer screen and any adjustment (placement, lighting,background) can be made, then you can see results before the image is captured into your computer. These image files can be sent to your own printer, catalog, web site, or by computer to the local photo printer for real slides or prints.
E-BUSINESS The application completed, I then navigated to my own website, checked for acceptances from other shows to which I applied, and looked at my E-mail to see if there were any wholesale or retail orders. The two orders that I received were downloaded and printed for me to send today and I authorized the bank to deposit the payment for orders I shipped yesterday. I then navigated to one of my supplier's sites and placed an order for needed supplies.
THE FUTURE Although this day takes place in the future, the web structure and the computer power exists for nearly all of this day's activity to take place. The future brings new opportunites to the craft artist. Acceptance and use of well chosen teknology can free us to spend more time with the making of craft.
About the author Jerry has been a woodworker for 25 years. A computer, database, and website programmer since the first IBM personal computer introduction, he also is an accomplished MIDI guitarist. Jerry's website is located at HTTP://JFARNSWORTH.COM
