My Booth at Licensing Show presenting images for Manufacturers Products
I went to New York for the first time as an artist in 1990 presenting my work in the New York Stationery Show. I had built a craft business and created a line of prints and cards which I had marketed every year, twice a year, at the Beckman's Gift Show in Los Angeles for 10 years. The Stationery Show was electric. I set-up my booth and knew that I was truly hooked by the explosion of people and the beauty of the companies represented at the show. To my surprise, there was an even more interesting show going on at the same time on a different level which intrigued me. I ventured in and was instantly mesmerized by what I saw. Artists from all over the world turning and displaying their work to buyers representing manufacturers from not only the US but from countries outside the US. The show was called SURTEX.
I returned to my Kansas City, Missouri, Studio and began to build images. I did not stop building, expanding, growing, seeing and producing work with different styles and techniques for the next 15 years.
Attending SURTEX from 1991 - 2005 was one of the most exciting and dynamic experiences which I have been most fortunate to have had and to have participated in as an artist. The designers came from all over the world to present their collections to manufacturers of home furnishing, house wares, gifts and ceramics, card and paper party wares. The work of those who presented designs was elegant, ever changing with the trends of fashion. It opened my eyes, challenged my mind and gave rise to many directions both in technique and medium. I will always hold these years exceptionally close in my heart to have been a participant, active and producing among those talented and gifted individuals who 'turned' their work at SURTEX.
My husband, Hal Jackson, and I presented the designs while attending SURTEX and for a number of years at THE NEW YORK LICENSING SHOW to manufacturers once a year. This was our only avenue of exposure. It was a most unusual route. Typically, artists like other talents are represented by agents. I was simply very fast. I would design and paint new work in very different areas and offer the selection when I arrived at the show. It was a great run, a wonderful education, a unique and highly energized way of life which successfully brought me to Smoky Mountains and a dream since childhood to live in a log cabin and paint. The best of all this is after I put this in order, I will be free to paint as I please until I am horizontal.
NEW ACTION
As of September 2009 The Edith Collection will be represented for licensing by CREATIF LICENSING. This is a dynamic licensing company lead by Paul Cohen, President, and Marcy Silverman, Vice President.