Reflecting on The Other Art Fair experience

Exhibiting at The Other Art Fair is always an experience – intense, humbling, and full of small lessons. This was my third time taking part, and even with familiarity, it still carried that mix of anticipation, preparation, and quiet nerves.

There’s the physical side of it – wrapping, delivering, and hanging each piece and taking what remain home in the end; the long days on your feet; the constant focus it takes to stay present. It’s demanding in ways that aren’t always visible, but it’s all part of the process.

I’m always happy to talk about my work, but approaching people is a different story. Not everyone stops at every stand, and I’ve learned to see that as part of the rhythm of the fair. My practice is rooted in film and shaped by cultural references that not everyone will recognise. Finding the right audience takes time. Still, when someone does connect – when something resonates, sparks a memory, or starts a conversation – and especially when they decide to take a piece home, those moments make it all worthwhile.

Seeing my work among so many other artists’ creations offers perspective. It’s grounding to realise how much there is to learn, and inspiring to witness so many different voices and approaches. By the end of the fair, I usually feel both exhausted and grateful – ready to rest, yet filled with new energy.

Regardless of how the fair goes, each one feels like a step forward. It’s a reminder not to measure worth by sales or attention, but by the act of showing up and growing through the experience.

If you’re an artist thinking of doing a fair, I’d say – go for it. Keep an open mind and treat it as an opportunity, not a promise of financial success. There’s so much to gain from simply being part of it. And if you’re visiting a fair, take a moment to engage with the artists whose work speaks to you. Even a few words of appreciation – or choosing to take a piece home – mean more than you might think.

Being an artist is a long, unpredictable journey – one of learning, resilience, and quiet perseverance. Every fair, every conversation, and every moment of reflection adds something to that path.

Thank you for reading and for being part of it.