Judith Ritchie
Stall holders at the Nelson Market are a hardy lot. At the whim of the weather, it requires patience and determination to hang in there, even on the wettest of days.
Ceramic artist Carol Clelland has kept coming back to the market for nearly 16 years.
‘‘I always go on a Saturday morning, even if I have to sit it out in the van for awhile to see if the weather will clear,’’ Clelland says. ‘‘Normally (it) does.’’
She likes that the market allows artists to ‘‘test products, get feed back, make a direct income, and generally sell stuff in a nice environment,’’ while creating a ‘‘good buzz in the city on a Saturday morning.’’
Niki Marshall has been a wood turner for 23 years and has sold at the market for the past eight. She loves the diverse range of customers from all over the world who buy her work.
‘‘I keep a world map at home of where all of my products are heading to and it’s amazing to have bowls and platters as far afield as Iceland, Zimbabwe and Egypt.’’
She adds that wood turning is a dying art form, so the market plays an important role in letting the public see wood products first hand.
‘‘I answer a lot of questions about New Zealand’s native trees and have photographs hanging up on my stall so I can point to the tree that the bowl or spatula is made from,’’ Marshall says. ‘‘It’s great for local craft clubs as I’m quite often pointing people in the direction of the local wood turning club and saying give it a go.’’
Bone carver, Fumio Noguchi, has turned up at the market every week for the past 16 years. Although bad weather may mean less people around, Noguchi says that can be a good thing as there are fewer stalls.
‘‘Also less competition (less stalls) makes often quite good results at the end of the day.’’
He enjoys meeting people, positive feedback about his work and often gets inspired by the jewellery people are wearing as they pass by.
‘‘Talking with the people directly, I can feel what the people are wanting or new trend,’’ Noguchi says. ‘‘Even watching the people walking past, we can see what jewellery they wear, we can get new ideas of the design and things.’’
Susan Pannell has been selling ceramics at the market for the past 21 years.
‘‘It’s worthwhile because of the large amount of exposure you get from market visitors and having the loyal locals know where to find you most Saturdays,’’ Pannell says. ‘‘Also site fees are far less expensive than having shop space.’’
She says the market works well for emerging artists as well, because ‘‘it’s a gentle introduction to offering your work for sale as most artists are a bit timid when it comes to showing their craft.’’
After selling stainless steel metal art at the market for 16 years, Steve Doreen says he still enjoys catching up with people and likes the informality of the market.
‘‘The market is great for artists as it gives exposure without the pomp and ceremony of an art gallery and attracts a wider range of people.’’ Lavender Lady, Dorothy Meharry, to March 3. Marlow, to March 4. Jeanette paintings by Heather Archer, February.