I received the news last night that my work, Growing Love, was not one of the entries that won in the Manhattan Arts Celebrate HerStory2009. Yes, a disappointment. However, I've never entered a call for entries like this before. I periodically saw some of the entries that were spotlighted before the final selection and I had a feeling Growing Love wasn't what they were looking for.
You can see the main page for HerStory2009 by clicking here, with links to the award winners in the various categories. Looking at the categories, I suspect I was in sculpture and from what I can tell, it doesn't appear that any glass work won.
As with all art, I find some really wonderful pieces in the final selections and others, well, just not my taste. That's part of what art is all about, right? Individual expressions.
As I said in my original post about Growing Love, I had fun creating it and I will add that I have learned from this experience. I will continue to submit my work for juried shows and grow from each new experience.
Another artist & blog friend, Don Michael Jr, has some thoughts about this on his blog post from June 9th. I cannot disagree with his sentiments and I'm sure we all have similar experiences. Just got to dust ourselves off, shake it off and get right back in the saddle.
By the way, I think Don does some wonderful work and I hope you'll take a moment to visit his website and look around at his paintings.
And as Don requested in his post, if any of you would like to share or comment about your experiences, please do!
I really appreciate all of your positive feedback, support and encouragement that you gave me in my original post for this work. Thanks.
Happy creating all!
10 comments:
Kathleen, that'a a beautiful piece (one of my favs of yours I think) regardless of whether or not it got accepted to that show. Jurying is so subjective - even when we think we know what will appeal to the juror there's no guarantee. Growing Love's turn will come....
I'm going to check out that book you mentioned on Don's blog - sounds like it'll be useful!
Thanks Deborah! I really appreciate your thoughts and comments...that means a lot to me. And yes, I really have found Renee's books very helpful.
Kathleen,
I'm truly sorry for your dissapointment today.
We all know that Growing Love is a beautiful piece, regardless of the jury outcome. There could be a thousand reasons that the jury didn't include this piece in it's group this time. The reasons probably don't include whether they liked or disliked the piece. We must not take other's acceptance of our work, or lack thereof, personally.
This is all part of the journey. If we never experience dissapointment, we will not be able to fully feel joy when it finally comes our way.
Try not to let this discourage you. You are a glass artist, in every sense of the expression. And an excellent one at that.
Hi Kathleen, Can I just say, it's their loss... I agree with Deborah about it being a favorite...
Thank you for your encouraging words. I will do as you suggest and get right back into the saddle - blisters and all...
And, I would be very remiss if I did not thank you profusely for recommending my website. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Keep those great works of art coming. I always look forward to your next piece. -Don
Absolutely Agree - it's a gorgeous piece and must've taken you ages.
I guess it depends what the jurors background is too. E.g. Folks from a sculptural background, might not appreciate the complexity of technique (or the difficulty of execution) in your elegant design.
Interesting that no glass piece won...I guess that's why my favourite quote is by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
"Love of Beauty Is Taste,
The Creation of Beauty
Is ART"
So congratulations on your stunning Artisan work it truly is "Growing Love".
Nic x
Sandy, you are such a wonderful person. Thank you so much for your kind words, your insight AND your encouragement. I truly appreciate it.
Hi Don. Thank you and I'm happy to point people to you and your work. I love your take on this too. You are the best.
Hi Nic. My goodness you have me blushing and I cannot tell you how great it is to hear your sentiments and encouragement too. Thank you for sharing Emmerson's quote...that is a keeper and full of insight for me.
To all of you who have commented thus far, I really value your opinions and encouragement. I promise that I am taking this in stride and I will continue to learn, grow and work at doing my best to create art glass. Thank you!
K, I write a "rejection letter to the rejection letter" for each one I get and keep them on file.
Hey Tracey! Now I LOVE that one...I'm going to do that. Helps with the whole process of overcoming it. Thanks for that suggestion. :D
As you can see, you're sure not alone...I too have SO MANY rejection letters lying around. I think maybe we get a little gun shy when we first get them, but then when the initial sting subsides, as everyone has said, we go back out there.
Don't doubt that piece at all. It is beautiful, but after looking at the sculpture entries, maybe it's not surprising that it's not what they were looking for. Has nothing at all to do with your piece in and of itself.
No go make something. :)
Thanks so much Karen. You know I trust your judgment. Yep, I am continuing to work on things and will be creating new pieces this weekend at a workshop! Whooo whooo.
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