- What is it that you do or sell? /C19 version: What items are you selling and are you doing any videos or virtual performances?
Over the last few years, my Wife has been a vendor at local eclectic events under the name Serenity Witch. As a Coppersmith, I have invested in some professional level photography gear to share images with my clients, but I love taking pictures of non-muggles and other creative peeps. I have brought my studio light with me to over a dozen public events to capture their likeness with my lightbox and lightning stick. I do not think of myself as an artist with photography. I am just a photojournalist. My subjects are the art form.
- Where are you located?
Sherwood (forest) Oregon, near Portland.
- What got you interested in starting out in this business?
My Wife has a creative inclination and I delight in supporting her endeavors.
- When did you start selling ? In general or at renaissance fests?
My Wife and I have enjoyed dressing up and attending eclectic events over the last 25 years. We were the first couple to be legally married at the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire.
- What was your local faire or home faire?
We now have several different annual Renaissance Faires and Pagan gathering near us: Canterbury, Celtic Fantasy Faire, Oregon Renaissance Faire, Shrewsbury, Sunfest, SummerStar, and such.
- How are you compensating for this strange time we are in now?
The best we can. It is important to remain polite, friendly, respectful, and positive.
- What advice do you have to give to others that are just starting out in this business? Or how to stay in this business?
Few can make a living at this sort of artistic expression, so we need to have our ‘day-jobs’. Most vendors and performers do this for the love of creativity and people, and need to retain conservative expectations, since it is not about the money.
- How do you handle thefts or copying of your works?
It is best to not let any of that stress you out, or it would drive us crazy and make us bitter, which defeats the whole purpose and the chance of success. No one want to buy things from a bitter angry vendor, or tip a disgruntled performer. We need to radiate positive vibes, like a moth to a flame.
- What do you miss most about faire?
The excitement and positivity.
- Do you think that there will be faires in the future or what steps we should be taking next?
I see it growing. Last Summer our local faires had sold out to capacity by Noon.
- Are you doing any online sales or virtual performances?
Yes.
- Why Renaissance Faires or theme? What is it that made you so interested in this period?
I have been into alternative culture since I was a young lad.
- Are you creating more stock or more content?
She is. I help build displays and with the transportation/set-up process.
- Describe your first experience with us or your best experience (could be worst experience if you want to share that)
I am fairly new to this online group and just looking to share my photo images.
- In five years (or less) my goal is to: ___________________
Be listed as the official Tog at these events. Two down, so far so good.
- At faire, what was your garb/attire your usual go to?
I got a black kilt and leather vest at some events a while back and have been partial to that look. I try to be more recognizable by not changing it up too much between a white or black poet shirt.
- If events are not happening again this season, what do you plan on doing?
I never have much trouble finding interesting things to capture.
- What makes your act/wares unique or different?
Most of her products are handmade by her and she is constantly coming up with new and .
- What makes you stand out?
Positivity and a friendly demeanor with a dark aesthetic (LOL).
- What was your very first experience at a renaissance festival? What education or training if any do you have that led to what you do?
I am a self-taught man and contractor. I can run circles around most professors. I also run one of the only trade schools for gutter installation within the USA. As for SCA gatherings, My older brother turned me onto a group he met and attended my first feast at a classy German restaurant in Farmington Utah. From there is was a big gathering in Arizona. This was back in 1982.
- Plug your website or fan page here (or both)
David Rich – cell# 503-351-7082
dmr-gutters.com
copper-by-design.com
Here is a link to my Photography profiles
Over 15,00 photos:
https://www.facebook.com/darrianashokaimagery/photos_albums
Facebook: https://www.deviantart.com/darrian-ashoka/
Favorite quotes:
An it harms non, do as ye will
Conform, go crazy, or become an artist.
My karma ran over my dogma
Pay it forward! (randomactsofkindness.org)
mind-temple.com/ethics.htm
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Author’s Note:
Thanks to David for us to feature him and his artwork on our blog and fan page. I always find it interesting to learn about different vendors and what their talent(s) are.
Again, this is just a promotional service, and I encourage you to check out his profile and fan pages. We do not do any research behind any performer or vendor.
If you, your group, your troupe, or if you are an author and would like to be featured, please find us at http://www.facebook.com/renperfmerch and leave us a message and we’ll get back to you.
Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again! HUZZAH!
