Rejected
During the awards ceremony for the SAGE National Exhibition in
Sheridan in June, juror Mike Beeman asked how many of the artists were taking
part in their first juried show.
He congratulated those who raised their hands, for continuing to enter juried shows after being rejected in the past.
He added that rejections are common, and artists must
continue to work and not give up when their submissions are turned down.
I've had many rejections for shows, contests, fellowships- even as a Roster Artist for the Wyoming Arts Council, which
showcases many art instructors, something I have loads of experience at, though
no degree. While it hurts
at the time, I've learned to consider several questions when my work is rejected: Did I submit my absolute best
work? Did the art I submitted
really fit their desired subject matter and/or genre? Was my application concise and appropriate to what they were
looking for? Was my resume simple,
neat and updated, and did it highlight my qualifications for their purpose?
If I answer "no" to any of the above questions (and I usually do), there's experience and knowledge to bring to the next entry: to work harder, to research
shows and jurors, and to submit application materials relevant to show
requirements. In regards to the
Quarter Horse Foundation, I primarily paint
rangy American Indian horses, and even my Quarter Horses resemble those of 30
years ago, when they had larger feet and heads and taller withers. It was silly
for me to be hurt that my work doesn't represent today's Quarter Horse, because
that's not the language I'm speaking as an artist. Am I sorry I submitted work? No, because I learned from the
experience. I tuck rejections into
the back of my mind. When really
great things happen, I remember past dismissals and realize (sometimes with an evil snicker) how I've learned, grown or
overcome an obstacle .
At about the time I need a reminder to keep growing and
learning, rejection keeps my head from getting too big. It prompts me to focus on my main
purpose as an artist- to express my love for my surroundings in a way people
can see in my brushstrokes. Sometimes a painting fits what's required for a show or
contest, and sometimes it doesn't, but if I remain true to myself in my work,
it doesn't matter. I'm reminded of
the story (I've shared it before) Rose Frederick told about the abstract
artist who, thinking realism was what they were looking for, submitted a terrible rodeo painting to the Coors Show. I could probably paint a nice, textbook Quarter Horse in a photorealistic
style, but I'd be compromising my artistic voice.
It's good to stretch our boundaries often, and juried shows
provide an opportunity to explore new subjects. The "Scenes in the City" show opening in September in
Sheridan had many local artists, myself included, looking around our beautiful town
for compositions to paint. I'm
sure I'll receive a rejection for at least one if not all three of the paintings I
submit, but the task of doing them has already benefitted me, as I've broadened
my experience as an artist while remaining true to my style and artistic voice.
Post Script: All three paintings were accepted, and "Alley of the Rainbow" won 2nd Place at the "Scenes in the City" show
"Alley of the Rainbow," 20x16 oil on canvas
Post Script: All three paintings were accepted, and "Alley of the Rainbow" won 2nd Place at the "Scenes in the City" show