Rejection and Doubt
Structures #98 ©2008 29" x 30"
Quilt National Non-Acceptance
A few days ago I wrote about shaking self doubt and the impact the economic news was having on me. Upon further reflection I realize that evening’s pity party was also precipitated by the rejection letter I received earlier in the week.
I’ve been accepted into Quilt National 3 times in a row (2003-2007). My artwork was selected for the cover the book one year and I sold 2 of the quilts that have been in this show so it’s always been a great show for me. Some consider it THE art quilt show to be accepted into and I might fall into that camp. I think the hardbound book/catalog printed for each of these shows is one of the more prominent histories of the art quilt movement we have and I’ve been happy to included in that history.
Turns out 2009 was not the year for me to be included.
The Artwork I Entered
I wasn’t planning on entering the show this year because I didn’t have any new work for the show. In the past I had brand new, hot off the press, work that had never been seen and that I thought would be excellent for the show.
This year, with my move, I did not. So I entered 3 pieces that were in my solo show in February: Markings #7, Markings #19 and Markings #22. Although this doesn’t break any of their rather strict rules on what can be accepted it definitely pushed the envelope on what they expected in terms of "fresh work". I didn’t have high expectations I’d get in the show for some reason. The previous 3 years I just knew I’d get in and even knew each year which pieces would be accepted.
It Hooked Me - For a Bit
When the ‘thanks no thanks’ email arrived I wasn’t surprised and just kept on going through my day. Then the emails started - lots of congratulations and repeating to everyone that I did not, as expected, get into the show. At the time it didn’t bother me at all and I am thrilled for many friends and acquaintances that were accepted this year. It’s a wonderful accomplishment.
Still, I have no doubt the events contributed to the little meltdown a few days ago. It finally hooked me. This show didn’t come up that evening in all of my negative thoughts but when I looked back on what might have caused it, I remembered how the week went.
I know my artwork is more than good enough for this show, but when they only accept 8% of the art entered a lot of the great work ends up on the cutting room floor. I didn’t take it personally that I didn’t get in. I think mostly I was just bummed cause it is a great show to be part of.
As I said in my last post - I’m way over it. Just writing about it as I thought it was interesting how these things can come together and get us at times and it’s not always obvious what all the thoughts are really about.
Structures #98
I completed this textile painting in August but only a few days ago did I figure out photography in my new house. So here is the completed picture finally. I have a bunch of in process images and want to create a slideshow to put on youtube showing it’s progression but I don’t know how to do that.
Anyone have suggestions? Free software suggestions preferred. I have a Vista PC - no macs here.
Studio Newsletter
I did, as planned and stated here, email the 3rd edition of my studio newsletter tuesday morning. For those that aren’t subscribers you can read it online here: Lisa Call Studio News - October 2008.
Posted by Lisa in: Being an Artist
Tagged: quilt national, rejection letter, self doubt, structures series, YouTube
Tina Mammoser said,
October 9, 2008 @ 1:05 am
Sorry you didn’t get in, but sometimes it’s meant to happen - there’ll be something around the corner where those Markings will be perfect for! :) I remember my entry into the Royal Academy this year and funnily I desperately wanted my rejection postcard so I could go collect it to give to a gallery. (Unfortunately it turns out, when the gallery returned my work, that is was the one canvas they didn’t unwrap. No doubt keeping as a spare. I don’t blame them at all but it’s funny how we get worked up about our favourites. ;) )
Not sure about a slideshow solution. (I’m on a Mac!) Perhaps ask on Twitter? I’ll ask too. Folks there have always given me good computer advice. There are services like Slide.com but they’re flash based. Good for your website but not YouTube.
Mary Ann said,
October 9, 2008 @ 11:22 am
Lisa,
You are in good company. This is going to be a very different QN. Susie Shie is not in either and she has been a staple there for years. I got in last year and sold the piece and had high hopes for this year. Not to be. But I have 3 great pieces for other shows. I am going to look at regular art shows and continue on.
Wanda said,
October 9, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Markings # 7 is one of my favorites and I’m kind of surprised it didn’t get in. I
Lisa Call said,
October 10, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
Tina - thanks for the help on the youtube thing - I got some good leads. And you are right - it is interesting our connections to our favorites and how we react when others don’t agree.
Mary Ann - thanks for writing - I’m sure your new pieces will find a wonderful opportunity.
Wanda - thank you!!!
Virginia Wieringa said,
October 11, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
I think your work is fantastic! I agree that juried art shows can make you doubt yourself a bit.
“I know my artwork is more than good enough for this show, but when they only accept 8% of the art entered a lot of the great work ends up on the cutting room floor. I didn’t take it personally that I didn’t get in. I think mostly I was just bummed cause it is a great show to be part of.”
Isn’t that astonishing? You just have to develop your own venues where you can put in whatever you want!
Stacey Peterson said,
October 16, 2008 @ 9:39 am
Even when we have all the logical reasons why we didn’t get into a show, why we didn’t expect to, and why it doesn’t really matter, that tiny little voice of self-doubt always trys to sneak in. I had the same thing happen with a couple of big shows this year - I’d won awards at a certain national show in 2006 and 2007, then didn’t get accepted this year, and even though I knew why and knew the competition was stiff, I found myself getting cranky that week. I finally accepted that I was feeling self-doubt about the show rejection, and once I looked it in the face I was able to move on and be okay with it! Anyhow, I’m glad you were able to dismiss this and move on - your work is more than good enough to be in this show, and I think you have a lot of exciting stuff going on with your work right now, which is so much more important!