I’ve been procrastinating for long enough. Every week or so, someone will mention that they’ve been reading my blog. Oh, you have? Umm… did you notice that it’s been awhile since I’ve posted? Yeah, they reply, but there’s still good stuff on there. Even though I’ve just been given a complement, I walk away a bit dejected, knowing that my last entry was THREE FREAKIN’ MONTHS ago. Ah well.
We’re not yet out of January, so I’m going to go ahead and claim some of that New Year’s momentum while I still can.
I’m currently working on applications – applications to art shows, grants, portfolio reviews. It’s kind of a fun time of year . As I review and edit my recent work, I get reminded that yes, I’ve created work that I’m proud to show and share. As I’m preparing the applications, there is a sense of hope that I’m making progress in my art career.
And, as I’m just at the application stage, it’s still too early to receive rejections! And boy, do they come in. I know that any success in selling comes with a multitude of rejections. Some of the rejections mean that my subject matter or style wasn’t appropriate to the show. Sometimes my work isn’t good enough. Or, some shows get over a thousand submissions and it’s just a numbers game – playing the odds. Regardless, every time I get one of those rejection letters, my heart sinks a little, and I wonder if I’m heading in the right direction. But, I’m getting ahead of myself here, as none have come in yet this year. I can just sit back and dwell in preparation and hopefulness.
Oh, and the slowness in the economy is no excuse to slack on participating in art. I’m learning that art isn’t a luxury, it’s your soul. The poorest people groups have rich traditions of music, story telling, drama and visual art. Starving artists dont’ keep on creating out of luxury. Live well, create. And, happy New Year!
Update: I just got a rejection. Wow, those online juries have a quick turnaround. Kansas City, I never even knew thee.
