Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2011 – A lot of judging before and during this exhibition.
You know how you feel when you go to the doctor? You have to strip, wear a flimsy gown (if you’re lucky,) you’re weighed, poked, prodded, and given disappointing looks by the medical staff. That’s what it’s like sometimes to be an artist.
To get into exhibitions or craft shows your work is judged. If your exhibit is reviewed, your work is judged. If anyone looks at your work, it’s being judged. Sometimes it passes the test. Other times it doesn’t.
Memory & Shadow ©2011 bronze, nickel – This bowl has been judged and passed the test.
An artist’s work many times is an extension of themselves. It could be expressing their ideas, thoughts, emotions, events or people in their lives. At the very least, it is something they’ve created, imagined, and put time and effort into. It hurts when it’s not accepted. But as an artist rejection is just par for the course.
So we learn to take the criticism. You have to not take the rejections personally and celebrate every little acceptance. If you’re lucky and you work very, very hard, acceptances will eventually outweigh the rejections. Until then, the trick is to let each rejection motivate you to be a better artist. That’s how we grow.
So very true. It’s like the line from the John Wayne movie, “McClintock” where the Duke, playing a cattle baron, tells a young man, “I work for everyone in America who buys a T-Bone steak.”
Woof! That’s a great quote that speaks to making or doing anything well. Love it.
W.E.K.— one of the things I love about your writing about your artwork is how straightforward you are about all aspects of the process.
What you’re discussing today— juried work— is difficult for many people.. I think those of us who’ve gone through this gauntlet, or something comparable, know that there are helpful points of having your work measured, and not-so-helpful points. A good critique, even when it’s not in your favor, can be generous and clarifying. A point of growth.
Thanks for writing about this. Thanks for putting so much of your process as an artist out there, so generously.
@Brad – Never thought I’d be in the same sentence as the Duke ;^)
@Courtenay – It’s so funny how artists have this stereotype of being super sensitive and unable to take criticism without freaking out. We have do it all the time. But you’re right, criticism can be very clarifying. Hmmm, that word makes me hungry for butter…
Yes, tis a good thing so many do not buy from us at shows, we would be left with nothing to take to the next show