I met with several wonderful proprietors to introduce them to Veni Etiam, studied their facial expressions as they leafed through some of my samples, and felt butterflies flutter in my gut as they shared their thoughts and responses to my work. It is a moment worth celebrating over and over again when an agreement is made and you are invited to sell your creations in partnership with interesting shops and galleries! When experienced individuals appreciate your style and acknowledge that you bring something fresh to the table, it fills you with all the inspiration and gratitude in the world. As soon as my pieces are standing happily on the shelves of these boutiques and galleries, I will share the locations with you (you know, just in case you wanted to go on a treasure hunt of sorts!). 

The month of May also brings a huge and exciting life event for Veni Etiam Photography -- its participation in its FIRST artisan fair! About a month after I launched my official website and blog, I also opened up an Etsy shop where I sell some smaller-sized or limited edition pieces. Etsy is a really interesting platform on which artists of all kinds of handmade goods sell their work independently. Etsy helps them showcase their pieces like they would in a store, and users can bookmark favorite items, purchase them or even (sometimes) contact the sellers to request custom orders. You could browse the categories and let your mind wander, or you can search for specific types of items (e.g., ceramic plates). The sheer amount of beautiful stuff on Etsy can make you dream. The best thing about Etsy is its community-feel -- not only must artisans comply with Etsy's ethical standards and spirit of craftsmanship, but Etsy also supports its artisans by offering insightful and user-friendly tips on branding and marketing so that you learn how to best present yourself and your creations to the world. Although I could have simply maintained my Veni Etiam website and blog, I additionally opened an Etsy shop to be part of this league or community, and I have enjoyed it very much so far!

A couple of weeks after I opened my Etsy shop, I applied to participate in the Etsy Handmade (Fait-Main) Creative Market, which is being organized by the Montreal Etsy Team -- a non-profit team run by other enthusiastic Etsy shop owners in the Montreal area. I tried to keep my expectations for acceptance low, as I knew it was a bit of a long shot as a first-time seller, especially given the competition involved to be selected for these events. I am extremely excited to share with you that I was selected to take part in the event and will be standing alongside other inspiring local artisans on May 3rd, introducing Veni Etiam to the Montreal community for the first official time! 

Although, as a first-time seller, I did not make the shortlist to have a whole kiosk to myself, I am almost happier to be part of the Etsy collective table, where several of us will showcase and sell our pieces on a shared table. Not only does this lessen the daunting task of "starting big" and producing tons of pieces for my first-ever show, but it also gives me a chance to really feel part of the team in a different way. I am also volunteering with the Montreal Etsy Team to ensure the success of the event, which enhances the sense of community even further. I feel blessed for this start and for this fun opportunity, and cannot wait to see whether the 6,750+ people who have RSVPed for the event will actually show up (and how we will squeeze them into the venue between 10 am and 4 pm!). 

So, over the last month, any free moment I have had (as roughly 18 hours a day have been devoted to my Thesis, the submission of which is imminent!), I have spent planning the collection for the Etsy creative market. While the local stores have requested that we focus on my Montreal collection and my forthcoming Quebec City collection, I feel that the essence of Veni Etiam Photography lies in its colorful international repertoire. Even though the event will be held in Montreal and will mostly be attended by local residents, I could not help but include a large number of my favorite pieces from around the world, along with a number of brand new pieces as well! 

If you're in the Montreal area, come join the fun on May 3rd. There'll be so many beautiful things to admire (and take home) in all sorts of categories, and lunch and drinks will be served. Best of all, you'll get to support artisans who are keen to share their inspiring creations with the community, and you'll get to be part of this milestone event at the early beginnings of Veni Etiam. 

For more on the event, follow the Event page on Facebook, and don't forget to Like the Veni Etiam Photography Facebook page for updates and pictures! 

Topped to the brim with fishing nets, this lone boat rocked patiently, dreaming to set out and finally fulfill its purpose. Tethered reluctantly to a dock, it waited and waited, while the hours passed and the tides changed. It floated quietly, without disrupting the stillness of the frosted mirror beneath it, though its impatience seemed to grow at times, like that of an animal constrained by a leash, pacing while watching for its master The sky grew moody and the light more dramatic, matching the escalating vigor of the boat. The water played tauntingly under its belly, but the boat remained strongly anchored to the present. The power, moodiness yet simplicity of the scene made me pause on the dock, and this photo quickly became one of my favorite photos of Bari, Italy.


Recommended in Acrylic in 24 x 36 in.