I am not one who enjoys rejection. In fact, I think most of us don't. But some are more okay with rejection than others. It's not in my nature to seek opportunities in which I might be rejected, I usually only pursue those I know I will succeed at. So for the longest time I kept my photography to myself, only showing to family and close friends. But then I realized if I was going to fulfill my goal of one day having my own gallery show I would have to put myself out there and possibly be rejected.
I think I had beginner's luck. The very first juried art show submission I made was accepted. Then I made another submission and I was accepted, not only accepted but won a prize as well. I was feeling pretty confident. I began looking at more opportunities for submissions, getting my name and art out there so that I could finally land my first solo gallery show. My favorite places to look: Call For Entry and Artist Trust. I wouldn't say I got cocky, but I definitely began applying to things I never in a million years before would have ever considered applying to.
A few months ago I applied to be an artist in residence for Spokane. An artist in residence! What?! Was I nuts? With my schedule as a mama how was I ever to ensure to these people that I would on a regular basis produce pieces that they would then feature in their publication? A few months ago I applied to another juried art show for the gallery in Spokane's City Hall building. My husband was pretty confident I would get in. I was too, but I tried to remain humble and still keep an open mind to the fact that I may still not get in. I didn't get either. The artist in residence I knew was a long shot, but I thought for sure I would get in to the art show. That one was a surprise. I was bummed that I didn't get either of these opportunities but when I look back and consider how many I submitted to I realized that I'm 2 for 2. Which is not bad at all.
A year ago I never would have been confident enough to put my work out there to be critiqued and judged. I think what's changed is my love for the work that I am doing. I am confident in what I am producing and that makes me more willing/wanting to share it with others. When you love what you do you are no longer afraid. And because I am no longer afraid I have been working tirelessly to be a part of a wonderful artist opportunity that I have only ever seen here in Spokane called First Friday. First Friday is an amazing event where local businesses open up their space the first Friday of every month and display works by local artists. Residents and tourists can then go for an artwalk through downtown Spokane visiting different venues and taking in all sorts of wonderful work from music to performance art. Those venues displaying 2D or 3D art continue to hang the artwork in their space for the entire month. When I first heard of First Friday I knew I wanted to be a part of it, but I didn't know how to go about it. Just a few months ago I joined a group on Facebook and started asking questions. Not two weeks later I met with someone who looked at my work and wanted to give me a show! I couldn't be more excited and grateful. I feel this step is one well on my way to getting a solo gallery show.
Every step we take as artists is one that should be leading us in the direction to fulfilling our goals and dreams for our careers. Because of the nature of the business we won't win them all. It's hard, but each win, no matter how little will give us that little bit of confidence to take the next step. And each loss, not matter how big, is not the end, but rather a stepping stone to elevate us and make us stronger. In this business you win some, you lose some, and you win some.