I'm never quite sure exactly how big an economic boost the Rotary Martinborough Fairs are to Wairarapa, seeing as the majority of the stallholders are from elsewhere. But thousands of customers (who seemingly ended up in vehicle queues from the Waihenga Bridge) has got to put some money into South Wairarapa tills, even on coffee alone.
But artists have to make a living, and when it comes to the craft show "circuit" throughout New Zealand, the two Martinborough Fairs have to be right up there for earning potential.
Provided, of course, you have artwork people want. To the layperson, being a "crafty person" might seem like an excuse to live in some sun-soaked location where you fire up your kiln every so often and indifferently plonk out lumps of pottery on a bench for the public to mull over. When I was growing up in the Far North, crafty types were not far off that description. They received the benefit, smoked weed, speared flounder and wound up the potter's wheel when the mood - or the visions - took them.
Today, markets like the Martinborough Fair are packed with product of exquisite artistry, presented by artisans who have either endured a significant apprenticeship or have gained tertiary qualifications in their craft. Granted, there were some stalls with imported "tat", which must infuriate real artists, but mostly the stalls showcase an artist's pride, self-esteem and the thousands of failures that have gone before them, to make their work a success. And I'm sure as much as a stall holder wants to rail against customers who seemingly have no sense of good taste, they have to bite their tongue because everyone's tastes are different. And yes, there are plenty who wouldn't know craftmanship if it bit them on the bum.
Those fairs are over, and autumn is now on us like someone's thrown a switch. But throughout the year in Wairarapa there are craftspeople who continue to put their work up at markets in our towns, or in boutique shops. Keep in mind that not only are you likely to see something completely unique, you're also meeting the person who made it. It's one more thing I add to the list of why I like living in Wairarapa.
