What Edgar Allan Poe Taught Me About Art Markets

When I first started doing art markets, one of my early digital collage pieces was Poe and the Raven. It featured Edgar Allan Poe, naturally, because apparently I have always been exactly who I am.

A woman came into my booth one day and got excited because she recognized him.

Now, a sensible artist might have said, “Yes, that’s Poe! I’m so glad you noticed.” A wise artist might have talked about the piece, the process, the antique imagery, the raven, the whole haunted literary mood of it all.

I, however, decided to make a joke.

In my awkward, nerdy attempt to connect with another Poe appreciator, I told her it was an actual portrait of Poe from his vaudeville days.

She looked at me, genuinely confused, and said she didn’t know he had been a song and dance man.

Somehow, despite this deeply educational moment in the history of absolutely not history, she still bought the piece.

That day, I learned an important lesson: never, ever make jokes in your booth.

Naturally, I now do improv and stand-up, so clearly I am very bad at taking my own advice.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in Author’s Row at Jones Creek Library, organized by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. The organizers were lovely, and they even gave us a sweet gift bag with pens, candy, and other little treasures.

Thank you to everyone who helped put the event together, and to the people who came through, browsed, chatted, and supported local authors.

Next up, I’ll be at the New Orleans Art Market in City Park on May 30th with my Unbelongings, prints, books, and other strange little creatures from the cabinet of curiosities that is my brain.

Come say hello. I may even make a joke.

But only if the raven allows it. 🖤