Monique Weston Q & A

Monique Weston
Houston, TX
Art Jeweler – repurposed  materials. First attended the market in 2009

 

 

Monique Weston
Monique Weston at First Saturday Arts Market

 

How has your art changed since first attending First Saturday Arts Market

 

I’ve gained a lot more confidence in my art, and my pieces reflect that; they’re more interesting, daring and original.

What makes the experience at the market different?

First Saturday Arts Market gives me the invaluable experience of seeing first-hand how people react to my artwork. They’ll be strolling by the booth and I’ll see their attention sharpen and focus on a particular piece. In the way they touch my work, I can see which pieces have the right balance. I get to see which pieces garner the most attention, and hear patrons’ comments. I also get to see my jewelry on a lot of different people, mixing with their individual styles. While I love selling in boutiques as well, being a vendor shapes my work directly, in a way no other outlet can.

 

 

Is there anything significant that happened to you as a result of participating at the market?

 

Monique Weston Jewelry
Monique Weston Jewelry

 

 

 

I’ve met a lot of great clients, and was invited to show in several galleries by people I wouldn’t have met anywhere else. I’ve also met such wonderful fellow-vendors, people I look forward to seeing every time I go.

 

I remember when …

 

I guess it’s clear that I love vending. I love joining in this ancient, pure form of commerce – creator to consumer.

The atmosphere at First Saturday Arts Market reflects an openness that is one of the best qualities that Houston has to offer. There’s bonhomie among the vendors – I love hearing a shout of laughter from another tent, seeing a borrowed roll of duct-tape passed back and forth, hearing comments on booths and artwork, observing the commonality of setting up and breaking down tents. I’m not romanticizing these little details into a great bond among the artists, but there’s a camaraderie at First Saturday Arts Market which, while mainly casual, is truly valuable nonetheless.

Among the patrons, there seems to be a sensibility of more than just shopping, but also of supporting the local arts.

 

You mentioned you show your jewelry elsewhere, where can we find it?

When I’m not at First Saturday Arts Market, I’m selling in Houston boutiques. At the moment, I’m in Artisan Designs in Rice Village, and at Hello-Lucky in the Heights.

More about Monique on our website: MoniqueWeston