Comments on: Showing Your Work: rejection

By: Regina B Dunn

Regina B Dunn — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:03:08 +0000

Thank you for these posts. I’ve just started to enter into some national calls for entry as I’m creating a body of work. This gives me a little more confidence. I’m printing the Robbi Eklow article for future giggles whenever I get a rejection letter.

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:55:42 +0000

This is one of the best articles a newby could read, along with the linked articles. I feel blessed that I love the “making” of the piece… figuring out what colors, how to express, “perfecting” the process etc. My next step is to enter some juried shows to get feedback… even if it is a rejection letter. I know I need to connect more with the art world by getting out (and away from my studio) to see art shows and displays, opening my focus. The blessing is in having something I love to do. I don’t think negative feedback would kill the joy… we’ll see. Thanks to all…. writers and commenters. You all are such a rich resource, and I’m so happy you participate in all aspects of the “making of the art quilt.”

By: Anne Copeland

Anne Copeland — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:37:28 +0000

That was one of the best articles I have read on rejections, Lyric. I honestly thought it was very thought provoking and very articulate about something I am sure everyone who enters juried events has faced.

I realized a long time ago that I am just not a competitive person, so in general, I won't enter juried shows or other types of competitions. I enjoy making my quilts for small challenges and for helping nonprofits I believe in, or good causes or small exchange groups.

Somehow just getting a quilt into a show to have it shown and not even sold isn't satisfying for me. Having a quilt sell from an alternative venue (a bookstore, city hall, library, etc.) is very satisfying. They generally don't take a commission(except perhaps the libraries, but I feel like that small commission is something I would enjoy contributing to a library anyway. In some areas at least, probably some or many of the folks who view quilts in the alternative venues are the same folks who go to galleries and other shows, so we are still getting good exposure, but without all the expense and the frustration. Some of the alternative venues are really pretty settings for the fiber arts, and they tend to look at the pieces so differently than the way they are seen in juried quilt shows and other events.

I have had the same experience with the art organizations that have shows around my area. They welcome our fiber arts pieces, and it is wonderful to see the good viewer response at such shows, and to see quilts occasionally sell.

I am thinking too that online exhibits are not a bad thing either. You don't have any shipping costs, or concerns about a piece getting lost. And you can "attend" and have friends attend who normally might balk at the idea of going out for an art exhibit. You definitely get good exposure, and who knows what other opportunities.

By: Julaine Lofquist-Birch

Julaine Lofquist-Birch — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:22:17 +0000

I've thoroughly enjoyed exhibiting in local galleries and shows. I love the conversation between artist and patron in an intimate setting. I've done the local art museum's fine art fair for quite a few years now, and even though it's a lot of work, I feel as though I can really express myself as an artist through not only my work, but my display. It's a wonderful feeling to have patrons come looking for you. And…once in awhile, you might even win an award…love those purchase awards!

By: Melly Testa

Melly Testa — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:47:14 +0000

I chalk it up to it not being the right time or place! I just got rejected for the second time from Quilt Visions 2010, No Boundaries, (my second rejection for that venue).
It isn't personal. It isn't my work, it isn't my photos. It really is down to time and place and those two weren't in order this time around. The one thing I could have done was send one more piece, I only had two new pieces, but rather than not entering, I did what I could.
I think I am blessed because I love my work most while I am making it, afterward, I like the work very much, but am not attached. It is about the making. This is very helpful when trying to get into coveted shows,
I just need to keep trying.

By: Susan Brubaker Knapp

Susan Brubaker Knapp — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:21:35 +0000

Great post. As always, very interesting and insightful reading. Thanks!

By: Darcy Berg

Darcy Berg — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:42:57 +0000

I think that you have to try to "not take it personally" and that it is "just one persons opinion". You have to satified with your work. If you aren't getting into "quilt" shows maybe you should investigate other venues. It is always great to get constructive critisism. Seek out a critique group.

Thanks for posting this Lyric.

By: lyric

lyric — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:42:25 +0000

Mandi - Perfectionists are really IMPERFECTIONISTS. They can't enjoy the 99.9% of beauty because they focus entirely on the .01% of imperfection.
It sounds like you were taught to be that way. We have one daughter who we have tried and tried and tried to help out of her perfectionist tendencies.

When it helps you to grow it's good. When it makes you miserable all the time - not so good.

Taking time off is always a lovely thing to do. I'm just getting back in after almost four years off. But I was creating things other than art during that time.

I don't know how to teach people to become emotionally detached from their work after it is completed - wish there was a magic word for that!

Take care!
-Lyric

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:04:52 +0000

Ah rejection! As my granny would have said.... they just don't know what "nice" is!!!

I also stopped entering the big quilt shows due to the cost.

I agree with Mandi who wrote "I think part of it comes from a background where every breath I took was criticized as never being good enough". I also had the dubious "help" from my family who would as "why didn't you......." (fill in the gap) and then get upset when I didn't change (whatever it was I did) to their "suggestion".

I'm happy with what I do. If not, I wouldn't do it. Anyone who doesn't like it is free to feel that way. When I need an opinion from anyone else, I'll ask for it.

By: bybethstudio

bybethstudio — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:39:20 +0000

Thank you for your blog... haven't yet entered anything yet good to read about it as it's a goal of mine...

ps. your art+quilt book is my Spring Break reading!
:) Beth