Rejection

Rejection.

Feeling raw with the latest rejection of an art piece for a gallery show
I thought that I'd look up the definition in the dictionary. Sometimes plain words can soothe a rough edge.

Merriam-Webster's definition of rejection: "to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use." Ok, well that didn't make me feel less pain about it.

The self-talk, which began before I found out my piece had not been accepted, now upped the chatter. The piece wasn't good enough, wasn't good. And worse, maybe the other shows I got into were flukes!

There is no knowing why a piece gets rejected, or for that matter, accepted...jurors usually don't say.

You're either in or you're out. 

It's the same kind of feeling as being in grade school and no one picks you for their team. Or the birthday party you didn't get invited to. Or your crush who ignored you when you gathered up the courage to say hi. Or all the times you waited for him (or her) to call you back, ask you out, like you back. That feeling. 

You tell yourself it's just that one juror, one show, one time. You tell yourself next time. You work harder, pick more carefully, hope again. That someone, some stranger, will see the value in your work, find it worthy. Pick it. Pick you.

Hope. That's a whole other discussion. Hope is such a tease.

So, next time.

 

You can visit me on Facebook at tART - Photography and Art by Terry Rowe,  https://www.facebook.com/tarrowe. If you'd like to purchase a print of any of my images please contact me or visit my website, http://terry-rowe.artistwebsites.com/. 

Art Exhibit Submissions, March

In order to be seen, an artist must exhibit. Each exhibit risks rejection. If an artist is lucky or talented enough to be accepted into the exhibit there's still the risk of rejection by the public (translated into lack of sales).

So, this March, I've submitted to two different events. The first is an exhibition for the Falls Church Arts All-Member show, I know at least one piece will make it into the Falls Church All-Member show, hopefully two.

The second is a competition through Santa Fe Workshops, with the theme "Travels." This competition is my third attempt to get juried into one of the Workshops' competitions. The field is talented and fierce so I'm hopeful but bracing for rejection.

Included here are my five pieces submitted to the two events. Would love to know what you think of any or all of them.

If you would like to see my work on a daily basis, as well as other projects I undertake, please follow me on Facebook at tART - Photography and Art by Terry Rowe,  https://www.facebook.com/tarrowe. If you'd like to purchase a print of any of my images please contact me or visit my website, http://terry-rowe.artistwebsites.com/.