When we first realize that we want to draw or paint or make
collages, our focus is on learning as many techniques as we can, on practicing
and honing our skills. Then one day a
friend says, “Wow, that’s really good, you should enter it in a show.” Being our own worst critics we modestly
declare that it’s really not that good, and we need more practice, more
classes, more time etc. etc. But that
little niggling voice keeps saying, “Maybe it is that good, maybe I should enter
a show.” So we screw up our courage and
take the plunge. First we find a show
that isn’t juried, then another and another.
Our confidence builds and finally we decide it’s time to enter a juried
show. The work is finished, the frame
looks great, we have visions of a first place ribbon hanging in our studio. Unfortunately, the judge doesn’t share our
enthusiasm. The piece doesn’t get in.
At
first, you are devastated. I knew it, I
stink! Why did I ever think I could be an
artist. But if you’re lucky someone more
experienced will come along and tell you her story – about how many shows she
entered before she finally got one accepted.
About how eventually almost all of her work was accepted and about how
finally she won her first ribbon – only an honorable mention but it was a
ribbon. She will tell you not to allow
any other person to make judgements about the value of your work – it has value
because it is a part of you and who you are.
She will tell you that regardless of what criteria a judge uses, the
bottom line is that selection is subjective.
What one judge rejects, another will love. And, if you are wise you will take heart, keep
making art and enter another show. Your
time will come.
