Rejection, Regrets, and Resolutions
I entered my first show in January and was rejected. I don't take rejection very well usually, but somehow I think I knew this was going to happen. I entered the wrong show. The people accepted do a deeper more complex type of art. This is not a commentary on the pros or cons of any form of art or an excuse for my own. It is just a fact. I work simply and my art is not deep. It isn't done laboriously. There is a place for it. That venue was not the place.
I will try again for sure, but I will do more research before I spend my money on a losing proposition.
My regret is that at the same time I entered this show I could have entered another show. I planned to enter both but since I am a newbie at this I ran out of oomph to figure out all the things I had to do for two entries. So I picked one without giving it enough thought. I think I would have gotten into the show I did not enter.
The lesson for me in this first show experience is to do more work. I will work harder the next time to ensure I enter correctly and I will not give up when the going gets tough.
Here is a picture I took in Heritage Village in Largo, Florida, where I live in the colder months. This ancient truck has been in this spot for what looks like forever. I always wonder what its story is.
I have the same problems you have Brenda. I did that last year. I have tried to reach higher this year but I do not know if I will succeed. I also don't seem to produce enough and fast enough. I am a slow worker. Some of it is pure luck as well. It depends on who the jurors are and what they are looking for. Some of the best get rejected as well so don't give up.
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My motto is "never give up". I can tell you from experience. I enter every contest out there. I have entered and won many too. I had a few rejections before I got the hang of what "they" were looking for.
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Don't be so hard on yourself, Brenda. It happens to all of us and it is a learning experience. At the same time, it is a pig in a poke - you don't know what will speak to the jurors. Not sure what you mean by "deep" or "complex" vs "simple."
I've seen plenty of work get into prestigious shows that are not the least bit deep or complex IMO. Just keep working - and don't second gess yourself. And keep entering (this from someone who missed the deadline for a show she meant to enter last month!!).
Nothing is a sure thing - and sometimes a piece rejected from one show will be juried into another one when you send it out again. You never know!
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I know you probably don't want to hear rejection stories that turn out well--but there are some. Kris and I entered a SAQA show--were rejected and bummed about it--then had so many good things come from the piece that was rejected, including having a full page image of it in American Style Magazine, selling it, selling another piece in the same style, and on and on. And all the good stuff came from entering the rejected piece into a show with no entry fee.
Don't give up! Just know that some pieces don't "fit" in a specific show. Not that they are bad, they just don't fit.
And by the way, have a great time at the retreat. Last year was my first year, and I really NEED to go back. Hopefully 2011.
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Bren, you left out the most important point: the JURORS! Another group might have found your work a perfect fit for the exhibit! Do choose your venues wisely but don't scrimp....no tickie, no washie! Another few rejections and you'll get used to it, haha! Ask me how I know that! Keep on being true to your art and yourself and wonderful things will happen! Debbie Bein
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I was rejected the first 3 times I entered national juried show. One has to be thick-skinned to do this. I think the weak or lazy or procrastinators are eliminated off the top and the great artists then conpete for the rest. The jurors may not "understand your vision" so keep trying. I have found success after those few rejections. I wish the jurors would give a reason why ones quilt is rejected.
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Hi Brenda, I have been "rejected" but I was pleased with myself that I had the courage to enter a juried show and you have courage too.I will try again and again I dont give up easily but one thing I have decided is to work at what gives me pleasure and if it fits a show try again to enter.I dont go in for heavy meaningful works.Another consideration (for me) is how much it costs, as here in the UK they dont seem to accept multiple (up to 3) entries for ££?So well done for entering and go for it.
Take Care
Janette
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I enjoyed reading your blog. Your photographs are very inspirational for an artist. I do not have many words of wisdom, other than...never stop! Let your hands make the dream which is in your thoughts...and then ...so be it. Or that is my take on all the rejections I have had
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(Here via the QuiltArt list.)
Bless your heart!
I had a similar experience at the end of last year. Not a show, but something else. I have been wondering if the story would have ended differently if I'd submitted a different couple of pieces. Unfortunately, I don't have a time machine.
Rejection feels crummy. However, it's one of those "nothing ventured, nothing gained" sorts of things. The alternative is to not try, and that comes with its own crumminess.
So please do try again. Debbie Bein made an excellent observation regarding the jurors and the type of show they're looking to put together. That thin envelope isn't necessarily a reflection on the quality of one's work, but a sign that it wasn't quite a good match for a particular exhibit.
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