"Every artist was first an amateur."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the amount of things I had "on my plate" and how I would try to handle myself with grace when I dropped one of my many balls I'm trying to keep up in the air. Well, the time has come to prove myself.
I did not get into the Art Works Gallery show for October! The same show I won 2nd place at last month! Not one piece was accepted. I scrolled down the email and read each line, taking in a small breath. "Piece #32- was not accepted, piece # 33- was not accepted and piece #34 was not accepted," I read. I was not at home and tried to hide my disappointment until I returned to the sanctity of my family.
Like the drama queen I can be, I vowed never to paint again and that when I picked up my canvasses, I would immediately paint over them, thus nulling my previous statement. I tried to rely on my inner peace and remember my own words of encouragement but I just couldn't hide my disappointment.
I thought of all of the great artists and wondered what their disappointments looked like. I wondered how many authors and actors had been disappointed or not received roles and I realized that perhaps I was being a bit silly. Rejection is part of this game. Not everyone will like what I do every single time! I know this and yet it still stings a bit.
I think I will go to the VMFA and take in the work there. I'll think about what I like and don't like but the fact that it is all good and I think I will find solace there. I find comfort in my art and that is what will propel me forward.
I guess I did take in my friend's advice, "When you drop one of the balls--how will you handle yourself?". Like a trooper with a slightly dramatic flair!!
I did not get into the Art Works Gallery show for October! The same show I won 2nd place at last month! Not one piece was accepted. I scrolled down the email and read each line, taking in a small breath. "Piece #32- was not accepted, piece # 33- was not accepted and piece #34 was not accepted," I read. I was not at home and tried to hide my disappointment until I returned to the sanctity of my family.
Like the drama queen I can be, I vowed never to paint again and that when I picked up my canvasses, I would immediately paint over them, thus nulling my previous statement. I tried to rely on my inner peace and remember my own words of encouragement but I just couldn't hide my disappointment.
I thought of all of the great artists and wondered what their disappointments looked like. I wondered how many authors and actors had been disappointed or not received roles and I realized that perhaps I was being a bit silly. Rejection is part of this game. Not everyone will like what I do every single time! I know this and yet it still stings a bit.
I think I will go to the VMFA and take in the work there. I'll think about what I like and don't like but the fact that it is all good and I think I will find solace there. I find comfort in my art and that is what will propel me forward.
I guess I did take in my friend's advice, "When you drop one of the balls--how will you handle yourself?". Like a trooper with a slightly dramatic flair!!
