Street performing/vending ?

[cb9420]

Does anyone do this ? Was thinking about building a stainless steel mobile studio. kind of like your average hot dog stand. only this would be my mobile glass blowing station . and on the front have a single glass case to display my work for sale.
Is anyone currently doing anything like this ?
Would of course have to look into local laws and get the permits .
But even for festivals or anything for that matter i think this would be a great way to draw attention to yourself and retail your own work instead of selling it to stores for half of the sale price.

This is something that im going to look into heavily. Would appreciate some feedback .

[jusbag]

People do it. Most of the time it is the older style sculpter/spun work guys. Not a hot dog stand usually, but a 10x10 with a little glass station in it.

I have seen street demo's before though. I think the Full Tank in Burlington VT used to do one of those every year. That was a pretty popular attraction. People could have a custom pipe made right in front of them.

Good luck!

[Nomad]

I have seen it before also. It is a good idea.

[cb9420]

Im talking about hitting the street every weekend or something . I want to be open aired and cost effective. something i can tow easily behind my small s10 truck or the old ladys crv.
I think it would draw a crowd if people could see what was going on .

[SethBickis]

I demo at nearly every event i do. Although pipes if shown at all are "under the table". I am in a 10x10 ezup. The only thong i don't like about demos and selling is:
1. Buyers can't get past watchers
2. People dont want to interrupt you
3. People are stupid and will try and get as close to hot/sharp items as they can. Once had a lady try to get pics and kept gettin closer and nearly put her camera in the flame....
4. I am also careful on what i do nothing to big or colors that are really bright while being worked got to think of peoples eyes.

But overall i recommend demos i love sparking a creative curiosity in people kids especially.

[Necoras]

Usually when I see people doing demos they tend to either have plexiglass between them/the torch and viewers, or be on a bit of a raised platform. Maybe both. This allows more people to see, and it keeps people from getting too close. I'd also suggest having your torch setup on one end/corner and the stuff you have for sale on the sides. That way people can see you, while shoppers can look at the stuff you have for sale. Having a second person to handle sales while you're working can be a huge help. Finally, keep in mind the availability of a kiln. You may not have power, which means you may not have a kiln.

[Wilbur]

I think its bad form to let people, especially kids, spectate in close proximity without providing didymiums.

I also think live glass blowing in front if custys can really depreciate the monetary value of your work if your not making intricate pieces that take a long time, people are like, that five minute spoon pipe? 18 bucks? Wtf? That took no time at all and looked pretty easy, fuck this guy

A lot of places aren't down with open flame,

I imagine a permitted, up to fire Marshall code trailer, Which I think some event promoters would require, will cost a grip.

But it's easier to ask for forgiveness then permission if someone does show up and shut you down.

Go for it, let us know how it goes.

[cb9420]

the open flame and the fire codes are the biggest worry for me. the way i would like to have it set up is a stainless steel hot dog cart converted into a portable glass studio. . the kind with the umbrella ove the top. i would have a tinted lexan shield around the torch. and a small display case in the front . i wouldnt really be focused on actual demos . just working outside and if someone happens to wonder buy my stand then just a plus.

[LewisW]

In 1988 I started running videos of me working at my shows. they were shown thru a monitor that was at the front of my 10 by 10 booth and also up high. So the buyers were not blocked by the lookers. It answered most of the stupid questions. No you can pretty much to the same using an Ipad . Lewis Wilson

[menty666]

I wouldn't freak out too much about people watching short term without glasses. After all, a lot of glass folk get into it after seeing the folks at the amusement parks or fairs making small items and they walked away intact enough.


Maybe get small sheet of didy to hang on the Lexan so people can see why you wear those funny looking glasses.

I did a party once where my demos were the entertainment. Definitely have someone else with you to work sales and watch the merchandise. Mine was a house show so I wasn't worried about theft so much, but it was nice to have my wife handling the cash while I was doing the demo. Made some decent money that night.

[Nighthawk]

I have done it many times, I do the spun glass figures and such and the people love it. Realy draws a crowd. You do have to have a extra person there to sell, you will have to work and talk to everyone. They all want to know your life story :)