Oct 19

Porter Flea No More.

This is why I throw clay, because throwing people is frowned upon.

I never bash anyone. But sometimes, you have to share objectively how things are. And this is one of those times. You call it like it is. You get people to agree with you. You get some who disagree. You get ones who listen, and ones who write you off.

It’s kind of like being gay. So, been there, done that, so this is nothing to me. For the first time, I really don’t care, and am going to speak my mind.

The first year Bungalow Potter applied for Porter Flea, I was told there was another ceramicist, so they didn’t want competition. Not only did they make a mistake of not understanding art shows are not a BNI chapter–where you can only have one of everything–they chose the person before the deadline was even up. Poor on several accounts. I smiled, said I understood, and I remained hopeful. They kept my money, they weren’t too sorry, apparently.

So, this year, Porter Flea announced their vendors, and I didn’t make it in again.

::sigh::

I processed the natural emotions of disappointment then I decided to see who i could celebrate and go join in shopping, supporting, and get to know.

I looked to see if there were other ceramicists, and of course, there are. And two of them aren’t even local. One is from Chattanooga, another from Asheville, NC. I dare you to go through the vendors page and count how many are NOT LOCAL. How many are NOT from Nashville? You can look into that one, you’ll have fun being appalled too.

In addition to multiple, non-local potters being selected, amongst other non-local handmade artisans when the show has continually been focused on supporting local handmade artisanship. Am I going to bitch about it? You bet you. Why? Because this is how things works unfortunately, and finally I’m tired of putting up with the unfortunate kind of bullshit in the art show circuit.

Will I take my email list and 500+ likes and products somewhere else? Yep. Will Porter Flea miss out on a local potter purchasing the largest table possible and selling thousands of dollars worth of inventory and drive traffic to their event? YEP. Will I care if they lose respect for me? NOPE. Why? In this moment I’m willing to leverage the totality of my experience, character, and integrity as a human and say “F*CK YOU PORTER FLEA” in the nicest way possible. And tell everyone WHY.

This event has consistently become so narrowly focused on pop-hipster culturally styled products, its clearly not a curated ART SHOW, it’s a hipster girl’s pinterest show. Unless you’re a.) a hipster b.) a girl c.) hipster or hipster girl wanna be, this is the show for you. You can buy everything you need to hang antlers on the wall, furniture that is almost functional, get one-of-a-kind dress that really is a blanket or two pieces of fabric, a cute terrarium that you could have got at World Market, or even stuff with birds on it!

WHAT IS AN ART SHOW?

The concept of a curated show is to validate the commercial viability of products and vendors, ensuring quality of goods for a show––not to create a one-stop shopping closet for people. There is one and only one perspective being portrayed, one person and temporary cultural style being conveyed. So, this really isn’t an art show.

They say its about being about the best handmade craftsman ship in the area. Awesome, local.. I love local. With QuantumCMG and a client, I co-created a marketing company focused on local (myTown™). I know the breakdown of local dollars spent and where the go. For every $100 spent locally, $81 stay in the local economy. When a franchise, big box store or non-locally owned entity comes in, its $15 on the $100 that stays. But, is everyone local. Let’s talk about the percentage of people that aren’t local with an hour radius or more. Its disgusting. So, not local.

While I’m encouraged by the growth that Porter Flea has had in the past years, I’m truly saddened by the continual lack of attention to: space planning, event place location, shopper capacity, and the disconnect between their mission and the actuality of the event. They are apparently not professionals in exhibition design, retail space planning, basic logic, and remembering the bullshit that they said last year to an applicant. Their mission and presentation is a complete switch and bait for anyone who actually is an artisan.

Some of my favorite lines from their email, include:

“Some of our merchants that have been with us for multiple markets in the past, please know we truly appreciate your support and involvement over the past few years.

Really? So you get grandfathered in? Awesome. Deduct those people from the allotment, and have a percentage of old people allowed to return. Or a limit. Even government does this folks. Support and involvement? How the hell can anyone get involved if they don’t get it? Stumps me.

“If we have too many of a certain type of vendor, that increased market competition puts each of those merchants at a disadvantage and it may leave customers dissatisfied with the overall market diversity.”

Not what you said to me personally last year! You only wanted one. This year there’s more potters / ceramicists, and honestly you just have no clue how to run a show. And diversity? Biggest joke ever PF.

“the selections come down to quality and originality of the work, presentation of the product, what we believe will be most attractive to the demographic we cater to”

It must be all the same style. Stuff frumpy hipster girls like. Unless you wear sharp geometric jewelry, drink out of mason jars, and subsribe to Kinfolk, and love teal chevron, you didn’t get in.

As a brand strategist, designer, and consultant, I understand bad press. I also understand process, communication, and opportunity. Some things aren’t for everyone. While I’m not going to let this cook my goose, I certainly have no qualms about being outspoken.

Is Bungalow Potter an incredible pottery product? You bet. Commercially viable? Yep. Properly branded, professional, stylish, timeless, and something people actually want? YES. Does it fit in with other hipster Pinterest shit that girls like? Not according to Porter Flea.

This is why I throw clay, because throwing people is frowned upon.

::drops mic::

Categories Bungalow Potter, Everyday Stuff

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What folks say

I got two lovely pieces from Bungalow Potter and really love ’em! BP has some really beautiful items–and I really enjoy the website. My mug and bowl in my casa have added some much needed color. LOVE IT!

Wayne B.
I Picked up this beautiful little pitcher from Stæven Lewis Frey of Bungalow Potter last week. Oh my word. It has brightened my whole house. Pictures don’t do it justice. So impressed with the weight and quality. It’s beauty blesses me daily. In fact, I wanted one of everything….every piece I saw in Staeven’s studio was purely lovely. Handmade may cost more, but you get what you pay for.

Christi S.
I used to not like pottery. It was pretentious, and not practical. I feel like I’ve discovered pottery all over again–that’s practical, humble, and I can use it every day and not feel like I have to manage a hedge fund to have it either.

Anonymous, TN
I own some pottery from Bungalow Potter! I came upon this business online, now I cant stop purchasing things! It makes such a great unique gift that lasts a lifetime and there are SO many choices too. It is all handmade from beginning to end. The customer service is very personal, straight from the artist himself. He is quick to respond to questions and very friendly.

Traci, IL
Being friends with Stæven already, I always was asking for lessons–but couldn’t believe it when I actually had one. It was unbelievable. I had no clue what I was doing, but made pieces out of clay–I’d never thought I could. It was more like therapy–or playing–than work!

Jeremy P.
I came to make a mug for a birthday, and ended up making three pieces! Stæven made it easy to understand each stage, making everything fun and never overwhelming–walking me through every stage, and letting me express my ideas–helping me get there. AND I love my pieces!

Katie W.Katie W.

Porter Flea No More.

This is why I throw clay, because throwing people is frowned upon.

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Porter Flea No More.

This is why I throw clay, because throwing people is frowned upon.

Best Sellers

BUNGALOW GIFT CARDS

What folks say

FOR SHOPPERS

GET IN TOUCH

Bungalow Tweets

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