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I answered a call for entries from the City of Walnut Creek for artwork to go on recycle bins. Two of my pieces were selected and made into posters that grace the side of the bins in my city, so that’s cool. It’s fun to be accepted, and have friends say, “hey I saw your art!”
I submitted two pieces for a holiday show at a local gallery and they were not accepted. So that’s not so cool. It’s an interesting challenge, this whole “do you like my art” thing. I’m old enough to understand that one, or several, rejections does not necessarily mean what I’m making is not good. It just means my work doesn’t fit with what they’re looking for. But it still stings a little. Being a naturally competitive person, I always want to be chosen.
Of course I went to the gallery holiday opening to support a friend who did get accepted and to see the other art. I really tried to view the pieces with an objective eye. Looking at the collection, I saw how my work might not fit in, although there were a few oddballs on the walls. I also noticed a level of finishing that I aspire to. Some of the art just had a very polished (some literally - resin!), finished look that I admire and will keep in mind for my own work. And who knows, maybe my stuff just didn’t appeal to the gallery owner. I guess I could ask, but that would require a level of bravery I don’t quite have (yet).
And then I need to ask myself why I’m doing this. Bottom line: I love to create. I love to experiment. I love to learn new techniques. If what I make appeals to others, that’s great. If not, would I stop creating? Of course not. But I may need to find a place to store canvases! Or switch to paper, which takes up less space and is way easier to store.
If I set the goal to sell my work, I need to make a firm plan (can you say New Year Resolution?) Just like any goal setting, there needs to be a plan with a list that has little boxes that I can check off. I love a good list. So, I’m going to keep creating, and keep sharing and just see what happens.
Update: Happy New Year, I’m entering more shows. I’m just forging ahead with the notion of sharing. If someone wants to buy, that’s great. (someone – you?? – can buy original art right here on my website, or prints of my art on Fine Art America)
2019 is going to be a great year. Keep creating!
I submitted two pieces for a holiday show at a local gallery and they were not accepted. So that’s not so cool. It’s an interesting challenge, this whole “do you like my art” thing. I’m old enough to understand that one, or several, rejections does not necessarily mean what I’m making is not good. It just means my work doesn’t fit with what they’re looking for. But it still stings a little. Being a naturally competitive person, I always want to be chosen.
Of course I went to the gallery holiday opening to support a friend who did get accepted and to see the other art. I really tried to view the pieces with an objective eye. Looking at the collection, I saw how my work might not fit in, although there were a few oddballs on the walls. I also noticed a level of finishing that I aspire to. Some of the art just had a very polished (some literally - resin!), finished look that I admire and will keep in mind for my own work. And who knows, maybe my stuff just didn’t appeal to the gallery owner. I guess I could ask, but that would require a level of bravery I don’t quite have (yet).
And then I need to ask myself why I’m doing this. Bottom line: I love to create. I love to experiment. I love to learn new techniques. If what I make appeals to others, that’s great. If not, would I stop creating? Of course not. But I may need to find a place to store canvases! Or switch to paper, which takes up less space and is way easier to store.
If I set the goal to sell my work, I need to make a firm plan (can you say New Year Resolution?) Just like any goal setting, there needs to be a plan with a list that has little boxes that I can check off. I love a good list. So, I’m going to keep creating, and keep sharing and just see what happens.
Update: Happy New Year, I’m entering more shows. I’m just forging ahead with the notion of sharing. If someone wants to buy, that’s great. (someone – you?? – can buy original art right here on my website, or prints of my art on Fine Art America)
2019 is going to be a great year. Keep creating!
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