“Out there” is a strange turn of phrase. Does it mean on the edge, in outer space, and weird? Or does it mean away from one’s comfort zone, out in the world? Either, but today it means having my work out in the world away from the comfort of Three Rivers, my known and beloved drawing students, and my own private studio.
I entered two pieces in “Seascapes” at the Exeter Courthouse Gallery. It is a juried show, but I have doubts that any entries will be turned away. The part that feels “out there” (vulnerable) to me is this: WILL ANYONE CARE ENOUGH TO SPEND $ ON MY WORK?? (or more accurately, $$$)
Excuse me for shouting. This sort of show makes me shudder, but at least it isn’t an auction. The shows are interesting to see, but it is nerve-wracking to interact with the public and wonder if they care or if they are just making conversation to be polite.
But wait, there’s more. I also will enter these 2 pieces in a juried show at the Tulare County Government Plaza Building. And, I’m in the process of producing a third piece to enter.
What if they aren’t accepted? What if no one wants them? What if someone does, but can’t get them for an entire year?
Stop it. Just stop it.
Okay. I’m fine now. Thank you for listening.
“Seascapes”
June 1-28, Exeter’s Courthouse Gallery, 125 South B Street, Exeter, California.
5 Comments
I so appreciate you sharing your inner musings and self-doubt. While I am no art aficionado, your drawings speak to me. I’d like one please. Perhaps you can help match me up? I find the attention to detail astounding as I don’t have that attention span capacity. If I were you, I’d want to keep all my own creations simply because they are so personal. Thank you for sharing them with “us”. May they find worthy new homes.
Hi Melinda, thank you for your kind words. I will think about a good match for you. Many of the drawings from the 2019 calendar are still available.
A large part of being an “artist” (whether music, paint, pencil, sculpture, etc.) is the need to be accepted or approved by the public, enough so that they are willing to part with their discretionary funds to reward you for your hard work and efforts. In the music field, we have people bring their original compositions frequently, and want us to critique it. That is always so touchy, because criticizing their creation is like criticizing their baby–you just can’t do it without offending!
My advice (it’s free, and worth every penny) is to be happy with what you have created, and never compromise on quality. Keep entering those competitions and galleries. Get your name out there. Those who will admire your work will find you and reward you handsomely!
Sharon, you are a wise woman and I thank you for telling me the truth.
I can’t speak to visual art, only to audio art and 40 years of being in the music ministry. There is a lot of junk out there (that obviously took no effort to compose), and I am appalled at how many churches buy the junk because it’s simplistic and easy to learn. But some of us still value the classics that take time to learn and perfect, and took great effort and care to compose and score. But the result is a Handel oratorio, a Bach chorale, a Beethoven anthem. You just can’t put a price on that!
All to say, creating beauty takes effort. Most are not willing to put in the time. But I greatly admire those who do!
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