Pages

Thursday, August 14, 2008

I'm a reject!

I just found out that my piece "11 Houses" was rejected by the Junior League of Raleigh for their Town and Country show. That is my second jury rejection. It would be interesting to hear why I was not accepted. Did they hate it? Did they like it well enough but had to cut it due to space constraints? Who knows?
Most interesting is that I am not really bugged. I had a momentary icky feeling, but that is it. I love my art. I have collectors that love my art. I am not really upset that this particular jury did not love my art. I will keep pushing and growing and trying and learning. It is amazing to me that I have come so far in my confidence. Just a few years ago, I would've been scared to even try. I would've been crushed by the rejection. I wonder what has given me this confidence? I think it has alot to do with community. Having associations with other artists who support my vision, and will be honest, yet gentle in their critique is essential in my growth as an artist. I have been a part of online groups in the past, but most recently have put my energies into some local groups of artists. If you an artist, and want to build confidence in your skills and vision, I encourage you to find a local group of artists for support. You will be amazed at what it can do for you. Make sure you don't associate with anyone who sucks your energy, or holds you back though. I have run across some of these in my time as well. Stick with people who have similar goals and vision as you. Good luck!

4 comments:

Michelle said...

Of course you're not a "reject". Your beautiful painting you showed us last night was not selected, and it's their loss. I too used to worry about so-called rejections, then I realized a)life's too short to worry about people without taste and good sense, and b)I wouldn't want to be a part of a show which would reject work like mine anyway!
Onward and upward...not doing that show means something else, even better for you is just around the corner.

Jeanne Rhea said...

I love your painting and I can see why you are not too bothered by the rejection--maybe we should say "their selection." I am with you on feeling like reasons should be given. But I noticed at the last several juried shows that I have been in that there is just so much good stuff, it is amazing that I got in at all. I'm sure I will get my share of rejections. Really, there seems to be no way to tell what will be accepted. It may be as simple as one tiny spot that bothers the juror or not his colors--even though I'm sure that would never be admitted to!

I have a friend who announces every time she gets a rejection notice that she has one less to go and that is one less than the one thousand rejection letters that she decided she would get before she had to take a different direction with her art or she had to find a new career. She has received over 300 rejection letters.

You should check this blog. http://myrejectionletters.blogspot.com/ and this discussion http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-473604.html if a rejection ever bothers you.

Jodi Ohl said...

I'm of the school of thought, every 'no' leads to a yes. The underlying truth is that you can't move forward if you don't move at all and you are definitely moving forward in many, many ways. There's nothing to be feel bad about at all, your work is fabulous and I'm definitely a big fan :)

mcdc3s said...

Hah! I know the feeling of rejection. Trust me it is NOT about your art's value. I have heard so many stories on jury rejections. Often it is just about what the juror is personally feeling at the time - and what they are trying to achieve in the show... keeping it consistant. I was rejected in a show about a month ago... two pieces actually. There were 80 some who applied and only 40 selected. My rejections were in good company. I asked what the juror was looking for, and the director said... She was looking for people who took risks and were not afraid to break the rules. Looking back... I did choose "safe" pieces... not wanting to rock the boat. That being said... those two pieces were accepted in other shows. Who knows! My first rejection I cried... about 5 minutes - called my mentor from the gallery and was boosted back up again. She asked me what I was going to do... then I said, "Go back to my studio and paint"... she said, "Good Girl". We just have to NOT take these things personally... but difinately, "Gater the wheat, and blow away the chafe". Good Luck