Well I was not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised.
For my second year of very passively trying to sell my lamps, sales at EnVision Gallery were quite high. That is not my main goal, high sales that is, my goal is to make a quality handcrafted lantern that can help bring calm and peace when they're lit up, adding a little warmth to a room. Personally that is what I feel when I have made a new design, Light it up in a dim room, and just feel that ahh.I simply want my success grow from that reputation.
EnVision Gallery is located on Mayne Island, one of the southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Mayne is a quiet semi-reclusive island community just north of Victoria, off the coast of the small city of Sydney.
The island is located near the US border, so I believe, though I'm not too sure, it attracts US visitors and the more wealthy types who have the summer cottages. Of course there's the mix of unusual island types, those who prefer a tighter community, a quieter existence, maybe more privacy, away from the bustle of suburban life and all the nutty-ness that goes with modern existence. Artists, makers, retirees, and those with a off-the-grid or homesteading lifestyle tend to live on these gulf islands, and so tourists and locals can expect to find an amazing high quality collection of creative wares in any shops or galleries found there.
The gallery is run by Kat Ferneyhough and partner Drew, occasionally supervised by his parrot Wynnifred. A couple of close artist friends also care for the shop.
I was introduced to Kat and the gallery by my sister Sophie, who now lives on the island with her partner. Kat took one look at my lamps and little crankers (automata sculptures, little toy-like creations of mine made by my alter-ego) and was delighted to give them a try in the gallery. Its handy that the gallery is located very close to my sisters, so when a visit is in order, I can have a walk down the road and to hello, and occasionally drop off a few more creations.
Well, since then, my crankers have sold out, and well over a couple dozen lamps have sold through the gallery. (More than my webstore!) So, in a addition to a couple of home workshop visits to buy lamps, it appears word-of-mouth is slowly helping people become more aware of my, ahh, wares.
You might be wondering why I haven't sold in local craft fairs or shops closer to home in Vancouver. Well its probably true I could sell more, but I like the island vibe and the people it invites, and this is a weekend only business for me (for now) and it takes time to make these and gather up enough to offer.
But we'll see, things evolve don't they?
Please give some love to EnVision Gallery via their web store or when visiting Mayne. Its a great place to visit and unwind. Highly recommended!
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