Here’s part 3 of 3 of my first attempt at consignment.
In January I dropped off a few pieces to Exchange on Germain. You can read about that here. In March I did a quick update about how my items were turning around. You can read that post here.
Here is my final wrap up post…
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All told, I dropped off 8 items be be put on consignment at Exchange on Germain. At the end of March, I picked up the 4 items that did not sell (BB Dakota dress, 2 Matt & Nat wallets and a Coach headscarf). My total cumulative cash payout was $54.
In post 2 of 3, I described my “problem” with consigning the best of my “unwanted items”. I was legitimately HURT that my items stayed there as long as they did. I mean really – DVF sunglasses for $25? How can that not be treated as a STEAL? IT WAS!
When my sunglasses were eventually marked down to 40% off, I threatened to pick them up. I stopped in on my lunch break and said to Beth… “I’m going to pick them up after work. I’ll give it the afternoon”. Of course, they were purchased within minutes of my departure. The next week when I had finally composed myself, I dropped in to pick up my cold hard cash.
$15 x 40% is a whopping $6.
Overall? Great experience. Sure, I turned into a bit of a baby when I saw my items being marked down. But let’s be real – the Matt & Nat wallets are now in my yard sale box and the DVF sunglasses would STILL be in my top dresser drawer, never to see the direct sunlight.
The ladies at Exchange are professional, sweet and they truly care about fashion.
I HIGHLY recommend their services and ENCOURAGE you to clean out your closet and take your best unwanted treasure in to be sold. I turned my unwanted goods (and my first $48 of consignment payout) into someone else’s unwanted Dooney & Bourke bag – which is now my #1 purse and will be until the end of time.
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Of course, I was tickled when Exchange on Germain announced they would be having a blogger challenge.
The gist is this… Bloggers were given an imaginary $100 bill and were tasked with creating an entire outfit from current items on consignment.
I obviously went to town. As an avid EoG browser, I was and am quite familiar with the items they have in store.
IT! Jeans in a dark wash – my favourite – $33.60 (marked down!)
Sam Edelman flats – $24.00
Beamer’s Creek coffee – beans roasted in Hampton and brewed fresh at Exchange – $1.95
Not included in my total (or the detail photos) – cross body purse – Bottega Veneta.
All told: $99.95 + HST
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The challenge can have a good payout for you, too.
Voting will take place on the Exchange on Germain Facebook page. The look with the most votes will win $100 – $50 for themselves and $50 to giveaway. But you know me – if I win – the entire $100 will be up for grabs.
A little over two years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Moore. Having never taken an English course in University, meeting Robert through his wife, Judith, was my first introduction to him. Thank goodness… he probably would have thought differently of me after reading one of my term papers.
Last Friday I dropped by Robert’s home on Autumn Street. I interrupted his reading time.
Keeping with the theme of creatives living and working in Saint John – Here’s Case No. 7. Robert Moore in his Natural Habitat.
Hi Robert! Tell me about yourself and what you do.
Hello Barb! Professionally, I’m a professor of English at UNBSJ, and have been since 1990. My areas of specialization are American poetry and prose, film, creative writing, and literary theory. I’m also a poet, which naturally accounts for the bulk of my income (irony alert). I also do an occasional stint as an actor (you may know me from such deathless commercials as “How am I going to pay for my retirement now?”) and a director for Saint John Theatre Company. I’m also co-owner and Chief Taste Control Officer for TUCK (irony alert #2), a design studio Judith Mackin and I opened in SJ last fall.
This may sound odd, but I really don’t think any of the above describes my ‘self’ in any meaningful way. I bet if you woke me up in the middle of the night with a flashlight in my face demanding an explanation of who I am I’d say I’m a reader. And I’d say that because it’s what I do for the better part of most days. Right now, for example, I’m reading a book by the poet Denise Riley,The Words of Selves, which, coincidentally enough, concerns the problem of saying ‘I’ with any confidence or authority. This is Riley quoting Hegel on the self: “Everyone is a whole world of representations, which are buried in the night of the ‘I’.” Isn’t “buried in the night of the ‘I’” a terrific image? I must steal it. Night of the Eye would make an excellent book title. Wait, I’m going to google it. (Pause) It’s still available. Yesss!
What is the main function of your work?
The main function of the work I do depends on what I’m doing. When I’m teaching, my job is to instill passion and respect for literature; to embody for my students what it means to lead an examined life. As a poet my function is to reinvent myself every time the blank page and ‘I’ close to grips; to treat creative writing as a blood sport. When I’m acting or doing voiceover work, it’s to make everyone love me.
Who is your typical client?
I’m not sure I have clients per se. I do have students, editors, readers, fellow actors, audience members, and the odd customer (the latter only if I’m caught in the Studio alone and there’s no one else available to serve them). If I had to generalize about that entity you’re calling a client, I’d say that what makes them typical is their curiosity. Much of what I do falls under the rubric of performance; I spend a lot of time in front of audiences of various kinds. What makes this sometimes fraught work worthwhile is my assumption that I’m engaged with humans who are as curious about life as I am.
What is the coolest thing to have happened to you in the past year?
The very coolest thing was the birth of my first grandchild, Jack. Second coolest was the launch of my fourth book, The Golden Book of Bovinities. Third coolest was opening TUCK in our fabulous new home. Fourth coolest was going on a half-year sabbatical. Come to think, it was a densely cool year.
What’s a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me these days involves about six hours of reading and two hours of writing, beginning about ten minutes after breakfast and ending about 5 p.m., at which point the mouth of the wine bottle begins to whisper my name. Mind you, I’m on sabbatical, so I’m under an obligation to read and write at a greater rate than when I’m teaching. Evenings tend to be fairly social, married as I am to a woman who’s held the All-Maritime title of “Extrovert of the Year” for sixteen consecutive years.
How can people stay in touch?
The question very generously assumes that people would want to stay in touch. I’m on facebook, at least for the time being, and can be reached via email at robertjmoore17@gmail.com. I dislike the phone, so if you call and I happen to pick up (probably because the Extrovert of the Year isn’t home) our conversation will be as brief as good manners allows. Email is by far my preferred medium.
Tomorrow in an exciting day in Saint John. I love events that give you an opportunity to tour around visiting shops, galleries and studios of local entrepreneurs.
Studio IV Tour is from 12-5pm tomorrow featuring Sarah Jones, Brandi Coyle, Judith Mackin and Jeneca Klausen.
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of all four of these ladies.
The perks of attending this event: Each location will have treats and new products to browse and enjoy. If you visit all four galleries/studios/shops – you’ll get $10 off your purchase AT EACH LOCATION on your next visit. AND – you’ll be supporting 4 local entrepreneurs.
I think that the coolest thing that can happen to you, is when cool things happen to your friends.
Examples: Adam and his band Penny Blacks went on tour to Ontario. Awesome! My best friend Tara is pregnant. Right? So great! I just picked up a CD by my favourite local band, Little You Little Me. My friends are basically rock stars.
Trent has written a book and as of today, you can buy it. (You can buy it in person at local Indigo and Coles stores next Friday).
Please enjoy this interview.
Trent: Just prior to being removed from Coles
Hi Trent! Tell me about yourself and what you do.
Hi Barb! Hmm…well, I suppose the most high-level way to describe me is dorky. I’m a full-time human resources professional and part-time pedantic writer whose main focus is nerd culture. The occupational split is kind of neat as it allows me to focus on business during the day and talk about geeky things at night. Best of both worlds, really.
To clarify, when I say that I focus on “nerd culture” I mostly mean that I analyze entertainment media that appeals to those of us with pale skin and a predisposition towards social inhibition (cartoons, comics, video games, science fiction, and feature film). It’s not everyone’s interest, but I dig it.
You are pretty active on the internet. Tell me about some of the places you write for online.
I suppose you could say that I get around. Outside of pouring myself into my tremendously adorkable personal blog, puctualdork.com, I write for three websites on a weekly basis.
I’m an Editor at RPGamer.com, which is the largest RPG website on the internet. RPGs, or “role-playing games,” are exactly what they sound like: games that allow you to take on a role other than your own and participate in a narrative. There are pen and paper RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, massively multiplayer online role-playing games such as World of Warcraft, and video game RPGs like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. I’m only well-versed on that last one. However, my role on the site is less about releases and reviews and more about video game industry coverage and the production of genre-cenric editorials.
I’m also MissionGeek.com‘s Entertainment Writer. Mission:Geek is kinda neat because it’s a website owned and operated out of Atlantic Canada. Over the past year and a half, I’ve contributed numerous film reviews, Oscar predictions, television and film recommendation articles, a series dedicated to entertainment tropes and idioms, and more than a handful of top ten lists (because people love lists).
Finally, I’m a Podcaster and Columnist for NerdsOnTheRocks.com. Nerds On The Rocks covers all elements of nerd culture and members of their community submit questions related to comics, film, TV, or video gaming to have answered by me on a weekly basis in their “Ask a Dork” column. I am the dork to which they ask. For their podcast, I join a group of outspoken nerds to discuss entertainment media.
Outside of contributing to those outlets, I mostly spend my online time watching hilarious videos of cats and tweeting about peanut butter. So yeah, I basically live life to the fullest.
How does one go from not being an author, to being one?
I’m stubborn. Possibly stupid.
At one point I realized how much I had been contributing to the various sites I write for. It didn’t feel as challenging to me anymore to fulfil those commitments and I began to wonder what more I could do. Eventually, an idea swelled up in my head and I was foolish enough to take a stab at it. I’ve never been the type to not finish what I’ve started, so, nine months later, it’s now complete.
What is your book about? Would you say you’ve based the story on real life people, places, events?
In Stitches is a dorky dark comedy aimed at young adults. It takes the gothic concept of bringing someone back to life through scientific methods and allows events to play out under a comedic filter. Hence the title. The most comprehensive way to understand it would be as a modern-day Frankenstein with socially inept characters and Kevin Smith dialogue. It’s unorthodox as all hell, but it’s pretty much me on paper.
The official statement within the book’s cover is that it is a work of fiction and that all allusions to real persons, places, or things are coincidental and don’t apply an opinion, negative or positive. However, I’d be lying if I were to say their weren’t some shout outs to real people, places, and events.
There are three main characters: Scott the neurobiologist, Tom the trauma surgeon, and Adam the monster they
My friend Leo is putting his faith in his friends, his family and the arts loving community in Saint John to help him fund his project “Manic Courtly Love”.
I’m excited for this project. I love that I can have a hand in supporting Leo BEFORE the record comes out – to show that I believe in his project and am excited to see it off the ground. It doesn’t hurt that with my $25 contribution – I get a copy of the album.
Enjoy the interview!
Photo: Steve Doiron
Hi Leo! Tell me about yourself and what you do.
Well, I currently work at the new Abbey apartments uptown -the brand new building on the corner of Charlotte and Duke. But, as you know, in my spare time, I’ve been writing and preparing to record an album at Ripple Effect Studios in the South End.
When did you start playing/loving music?
I started writing songs as soon as I started fumbling on the guitar (I still fumble), around the age of 13, I think. But I was a huge music fan for as long as I can remember.. the radio and my walkmen were my life as a child whenever I had a free moment.
How long has this album been in the works?
My whole life. But specifically with a genre and a style that accurately feels altogether me? About 2 years.
Why the sudden serge in the genre of love songs? You say you’ve found your niche in love songs: why do you think that is?
I wrote a couple of what I thought were really good love songs around the same time I was taking a Geoffrey Chaucer course in University. He’s the king of romance oriented stuff from the Middle Ages, and so I thought I’d try and piece a little bit of themes together from his work. I’m not a Chaucer expert by any stretch, but I like the unique angles he tells each story from, and I like the general themes of light, dark, lustful, pure, ambiguity, certainty, fortune, fate, Reason, and Chaos that he plays with. Standard love song themes, but it finally felt like me: What I could do, and do really well.
Art: Pamela Marie Pierce
Saint John is a collaborative community. Tell me about your band and how it’s evolved over time?
Well , I pretty much met everyone in town on the music scene through Chris Braydon. He’s a local musician and (great) songwriter, who introduced me to a lot of different and talented people. For example, I met Adam Keirstead (I believe you’ve met him) through Chris, and he’s one of the cornerstones of the SJ music scene. And also Ali Leonard, who plays strings beautifully (Penny Blacks), Alex Keleher on some drums (Wooden Wives), Ben Morgan plans to play a little bit of guitar (Naked Baron), Amy Stewart (Tuned in Tokyo) will sing some back ups and play some keys, and the potential for a few others. Technically, I suppose you wouldn’t call this a band, as we haven’t played any shows together. But these are some of the ridiculously talented people I’m recording the album with.
Explain the kickstarter campaign, for those new to the concept.
Kickstarter is a website where a variety of different kinds of artists can put their specific artwork online and people can make financial pledges, often in exchange for rewards, in order to see that artwork get made, published, or, in my case, produced. What’s unique about Kickstarter compared with other websites of this nature, is that if you don’t raise the amount you’ve set out to raise, when the campaign’s over, you don’t get a dime. Not a penny. I had to find a business partner in the States (who will remain anonymous) to create the Kickstarter page, as you have to be a US resident. Through them, I was able to create the site. I chose Kickstarter as opposed to the other sites, because it currently has the most reach. People, for the time being, I think, seem to be gravitating more towards it in supporting art then maybe some of the other sites. Anyways, Nienke Izurieta, Steve Dorion, and Tim Davidson did a really great job of putting my Kickstarter video together. Amazing. I can’t sing their praises enough.
What is a typical day like for you?
I’m a writer, so I’m often alone. I work around people at the apartment building, but when I’m not doing that, I’m usually writing something down with my pen, or watching The Wire (fourth time through?), or hanging out at my sister’s place or parents’ place. I need a lot of down time with music or the woods to refresh, so after work I usually try and go and find an interesting new spot I’ve never seen before. Ever been to dead man’s cove in Milfird? Well I have as of last week!
What is your dream day?
Reaching my Kickstarter goal would be a pretty great day.
What’s next?
Umm, well, I’m not currently playing shows, and so I’ll be thinking about the possibility of doing that after the album comes out. But right now I’m busy creating a comic with the artist Pamela Pierce, who is doing the art work for the album. We seem to work well together, so we’re branching out into a variety of creative projects. The comic’s really good and I’m really excited about it. Pam’s a remarkably gifted visual artist, and hopefully we’ll have something to show to the public sooner than later. It’s called ‘The Errand,’ and it’s beautiful and terrifying and fun!
Backstreet Records has been a fixture in Uptown Saint John for longer than I’ve been around. It’s my favourite place to grab a CD (yes – I still buy those) and to chat about the events happening in the music community.
I dropped in to the store last week to visit Corey. Keeping with the theme of creatives living and working in Saint John – Here’s Case No. 6. Corey Bonnevie in his Natural Habitat.
Hi Corey! Tell me about yourself and what you do.
My name is Corey, and I surround myself with anything to do with music (playing it, recording it, seeing it, selling it). At Backstreet Records I deal with buying And selling compact discs and vinyl records.
What is the main function of your business?
The main function at Backstreet is ordering new albums on CD and LP. I also buy used merchandise from anyone who brings their collection to the shop. On top of dealing with new and used, I work with local and independent artists to help improve the music scene of the city. Small record stores often act as a hub for folks of the music scene.
Who is your typical client?
Typical costumers are music fans. People that come through the shop aren’t looking for top 40. They are often searching for something new and interesting. sometimes costumers will go off of my recommendations or trust that i know their musical tastes. Since I sell vinyl, I often see hardcore record enthusiasts. Folks that are looking for rare and unusual album.
What is the coolest thing to have happened to you in the past year?
The coolest thing that happen to me this year was Record Store Day. It’s an international event that occurs at independent record stores everywhere. Record companies always release titles that are exclusive to that day and at Backstreet we always have local acts play in the shop. It’s usually an overwhelming but fun day.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Typical day is turning on the lights then throwing a record on the turntable. Once I’m settled in, I check the Backstreet email for any messages from distributors. I usually spend a good portion of the day checking up and coming artists or rediscovering old ones. I’m also always talking to regular costumers about music and sometimes personal topics. The last thing I can think of for a typical day is reorganizing merchandise. I’m constantly thinking of how can can make the shop easier to get around.
How can people stay in touch?
People can stay in touch by visiting me at the shop, calling the shop, or sending me a message on the Backstreet Records Facebook page.
I arrived at Peter’s Gallery on Duke Street on a Thursday, just before lunch. What better time to catch him at work?
I arrived to see two Suzanne Hill pieces (larger than life) unrolled on the floor. Waiting to be seen by a potential buyer. I loved it.
Keeping with the theme of creatives living and working in Saint John – Here’s Case No. 5. Peter Buckland in his Natural Habitat.
Hi Peter! Tell me about yourself and what you do.
First, the pertinent facts. I live in the uptown area of Saint John with my wife Judy Halassy. This was a choice we made a few years ago, and are very pleased that we did. We both walk to work as much as possible, something that provides exercise and keeps us in touch with neighbourhood changes. I have two children and Judy has one. My son, Elliott, is in Ottawa, my daughter, Adrienne, is in Halifax and Judy’s son, Joshua, is in Toronto. Joshua and his wife just had a baby girl, something that makes us very happy.
I suppose I’m a typical Saint Johner. I was born here, educated here, taught school here and have run my businesses here. I made a decision to remain in Saint John.
My current business is the Peter Buckland Gallery, which I established in 1998. A little over one year ago I moved the gallery from Prince William St. to its current location on Duke St. I really like the new gallery. It’s a space that takes one by surprise upon first visit. I like the idea of taking unusual and somewhat ignored spaces and creating something that really shines. The room is bathed in white, and shows artwork very well.
What is the main function of your business?
The main function of my business is to promote and sell fine art. In doing so I assume the representation of certain artists, the majority from New Brunswick, and work to promote them and their work. Operating an art gallery and representing artists involves making a lot of choices. I was quite clear from the start that I wanted to run a serious gallery, exhibiting some of the best artists in the region. Sometimes you take on a particular artist that you believe in, even though the initial marketability is not apparent, however, if you stick to high quality work, this policy usually pays off in the long run. I have chosen not to represent some artists whose work was remarkably salable, but felt that the quality of work was just not there. That can be a tough decision to make, yet, in the end, I believe one’s artists and clients respect that. Of course, a balance between the aesthetic and the marketable is a must, or one simply does not stay in business.
Who is your typical client?
I don’t think there is a typical client. My clients run the range: individual collectors, large corporations and small businesses, public collections such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery or the federal department of Foreign Affairs. The public collections generally have specific mandates and are looking for particular works. For instance, I mention the Foreign Affairs collection. They buy works by top Canadian artists for display in embassies and consulates around the world. Many of my artists have works hanging in these venues. As for the individual buyers, they do vary, but perhaps have one unifying characteristic. They love good art and they love what it adds to their lives.
What is the coolest thing to have happened to you in the past year?
That’s a really interesting question. Two things come quickly to mind, one that was planned and one that was not planned. Last fall I was awarded a Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for my work in the arts. That was unplanned and quite unexpected. It really blew me away. The awards ceremony was held at the University in September where 30 medals were awarded. I was so pleased that five of these were given to people from the arts. A good community has a good balance. I think Saint John has that, and this was reflected in these awards. The second thing was definitely planned. We spent six weeks in India this winter. It was one of the best trips I have undertaken: great people, a fantastic history and wonderful colour. We took away fine memories, some terrific stories, along with a stronger sense of the world we live in. We also brought home over 1600 images, something that has been challenging as Judy and I have narrowed it to 150 and have planned the layout for a personal book. Travel, if you are open to it, can really change you. I loved India. We plan to return some day.
What’s a typical day like for you?
I like to think my days are not so typical, although they likely do have certain common features. As I stated previously, I like to walk to work when I can, arriving by 9 am at the latest. I work 6 days a week, so I guess it is a good thing I really like my work. Unless I have an early morning meeting there is one thing that usually starts my day, and that is checking and answering emails. After that there are often calls to be made and sometimes appointments with clients or artists. I try to schedule these for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I like working with clients who have spotted one or more works, but are uncertain how they will work in their space. I enjoy taking work to people’s homes or offices, always very good when it’s a real fit and they love it. It’s also good to know when something doesn’t work. My job is to keep going back until they are happy. It’s interesting that my own space is so important for exhibiting work, and yet it is equally important for me to take the work to the client’s space.
The job of running a gallery is multi-facetted. One plans exhibits, installs exhibits, works on special projects, prepares marketing material, manages the website, the mailing list etc. For the more technical aspects I have really great people I can call on, but I have to keep in touch with it all.
How can people stay in touch?
Keeping in touch with me is easy. Check out the website, send me an email, call the gallery, call my cell (for art emergencies 721-9053) or simply drop by the gallery on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Also, I have just written my first newsletter, which will become a regular feature from the gallery. I will be writing about art, artists, the gallery, special projects and sending these out every 2 to 3 weeks. The first one is almost ready to go, except for a couple of technical glitches, so I’m waiting for Sam Blue to return from the bar in San Francisco.
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Thanks, Peter!
You can also stay in touch on Twitter and on Facebook:
Tomorrow night, Connection Dance Works and Motion Ensemble are pleased to announce PERSPECTIVE New Music and New Dance.
8pm @ The Sanctuary Theatre
228 Germain St
$15
Choreographers Sarah Johnson Power, Meagan O’Shea (Toronto) and Julie Duguay (Moncton) are teaming up with musicians Andrew Reed Miller, Chris Gilles and Paul Stefflar and will be creating new work-in-progress pieces for the show. Their emerging choreographer Gabrielle Pelletier is pairing up with Katherine Kennedy and we will be holding an improvisation with local participants and will be accompanied with cellist Katie Bestvater.
I was lucky enough to meet up with a few of the girls from Connextion Dance Works (including Sarah Johnson Power) when they were nominated for an Original in 2012. They are lovely ladies.
I encourage you to “get social” and follow these creative team players on Twitter. A lot of people have been tweeting under the hashtags #SaintJohnCut and #SaintJohnCut4 – search em!
Here are a few pertinent links and buttons to click…
