Fear of Rejection

So often I want to enter shows that I think might be a good fit for my work. Then, every once in a great while, one prospectus comes along that is the perfect fit. Of course, getting selected from all of the submissions is always an unknown. I don’t know the curators preferences, the pool of other submissions or the vision they have in their heads of what they want to see in the exhibit. But, I put on my Kevlar jacket and send in my fee and fill out the application. After that I just hit send and let it go.

It’s taken me a while to realize that if one percent of people in the world liked my work, that would be a lot of people. And if less than one percent of people liked my work, that would also be a lot of people. The actual mindset I’ve adopted is “Do I like my work?” Because if the answer is yes, I’m fine with standing next to my artwork and saying, “I made this.” It can feel like a seven year old hoping that you’ll hang it on the fridge door with a magnet. And when people don’t want to hang it on their fridge, it can crush the inner artist child a bit. Except that I like it - and I can hang it on my fridge or wall or studio space and it makes me happy.

If your artwork makes you happy then you should put it up and enjoy the memory of how you felt when you made it, as well as be proud of where you were as an artist in that time.

All of this said, I’m happy to announce that my latest submission has been accepted to the ABSOLUTE ABSTRACTION show in Montclair, New Jersey at 127 Bloomfield Avenue. It will be on exhibit for the month of November. You can see the piece here.

If you’re at the point where you want to exhibit your artwork, I encourage you to do so. Find a local cafe, coffee shop or shop owner who will show off your creations. It takes someone who fits in the 1% category.

Thanks for checking out the blog and feel free to leave a comment or question. Have a creative day!