Rejection Abounds
Sometimes, in my exuberance over my successes that I share with you, it may appear that it is ALL success. I can assure you that is not the case. So today, I share my latest rejection. But first, a metaphor.
My favorite motto in rockclimbing....if you're not falling, then you aren't pushing yourself hard enough. Of course we had ropes to catch us when we fell, so it was safe. But falling is such a deep psychological fear, that even on a rope, you really don't want to fall and it's scary, illogically scary. And if you never try anything harder, never take the risk, you really don't get any stronger or better as a climber. And that's okay too. But for me, I had goals, I always strive to push myself, that's just how I am. To overcome the fear, I would routinely get on climbs that I knew I couldn't do. I would fall a LOT. It helped me learn on a physical level to trust my climbing partner. It helped me learn to push myself. And I got better, good balance, strong body, smart choices.
This has paid off well as it translates to my new art quilt world. I take a lot of risks. I know I can't draw, but I push myself to draw and I learn. I have pictures in my head that need expressing. I enter lots and lots of venues. I risk rejection from the juries who decide which pieces will get in and which ones won't. I risk rejection from the judges who pick winners. I risk rejection from my audience who may not like what I have to say, or the way that I say it in my work. Why?? Because if you don't ask, the answer is already no. Asking, or entering, gets an opportunity for yes.
It would appear that my audience simply does not want to see a piece about a brand new bright and pretty neighborhood built on a trash heap of obsolescent appliances. REALLY? Who would of thought?? :) It is either the theme or the execution of my techniques. And it was my first attempt at a large batik etching, so possibly (no, definitely), I need more experience with the technique! The piece is intentionally uncomfortable for the viewer. I think some art is just like that. Maybe I could have chosen different colors? Maybe not. I thought it would be perfect for the Beyond Comfort exhibit by SAQA, but they didn't think so. I got the rejection yesterday. It was the 5th rejection for this art quilt!
And the theme of overconsumption is not one that most people really want to look at. Or what happens to all the junk we buy and then get rid of because it is built so poorly that it breaks quickly....all to drive the economy, make a fast buck. And, I have no problem with stimulating the economy, but I think we need to do it smarter, and look at the long range consequences of our actions. I am not sure if all that came through in this little piece. A big message for such a little piece. All I know is that I had to make it. In this I experienced a huge amount of success, regardless of it's failures with a larger audience. I can't even call the most recent rejection a setback, because I plod onwards for the next piece that needs to be made.
Do I like rejection? No. Does it hurt my feelings? Yes. What to do? Feel my feelings, then get over it, and "Climb on"!
