Dealing with rejection as an Artist 🧑🎨
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2022
- Dealing with rejection
Rejection can be a powerful force for re-direction, yes? But it doesn't make it any less easy to deal with and like me most artists have experienced their fair share-be it from a gallery, an open-call exhibition, a residency, or a grant-giving institution.Don't let rejection make you doubt yourself or skills. Its usually a question of compatibility and can often be not as simple as you think- because remember art is subjective and susceptible to the ever changing tastes of the time! Not that that makes you feel better when you face it! it absolutely can feel personal if an artwork was very close to your heart but be kind to yourself! Absolutely acknowledge the pain of rejection (don't feel like you are the only artist facing rejection) but mainly "Don't try and be “un-rejectable!!" be yourself, and be aware its a competitive industry, but it just makes your successes all the richer and more rewarding--we hope!!!!!
Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor wrote in his journal Meditations: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”...rather than just accepting the pain of rejection, use it as the very tool to move beyond it...see a rejection as a reason to keep evolving, keep focused as be proud that you actually put yourself forward for something you wanted- there is bravery in that!! l found a link here to have a read if you fancy keeping this discussion open:
www.huffpost.com/entry/a-prob...
Its such an important subject and lets keep the dialogue open about it!
I finish the episode with a bit of painting, referring to www.kengoshen.com/ thinking I should begin learning more about colour mixing and techniques and tips for oil painting, so if it sounds like something you are interested in let me know in the comments below so I can start planning new art life lessons and adventures!
Thanks for watching! Jessie xx @jessoliverart
You're a natural speaker. Lots of people have CZcams channel but your speaking fluency and warmth stands out.
Thank you so much for the lovely comment Arti-x!
I learned fairly early on that my style of painting as a realist landscape oil painter was not every juror's cup of tea. For me, the rejection has been in the form of an email sent to all submitting artists with the list of accepted works attached. If the submission was digital, and my work was rejected, that is the end of the process. But if the submission was in-person, drop off your work, come back and pick it up because it didn't make the cut, well that is a bit more traumatic because I have to face someone who knows of my work's rejection. That is a humbling and awkward experience. I have learned to check out the gallery and/or the juror beforehand to get a sense of what my chances might be. I've learned to take the time to really look at the accepted works to get a sense of what the show has that my painting lacked and most often I'd say it was my subtle earth tones did not fit in with the vibrant color schemes on display; or there was an obvious choice to go with abstract contemporary, or at least more 'edgy' work than mine. I'm often disappointed, but what can happen is that I start questioning my style. Experimenting is good, but sometimes it leads me down a rabbit hole of frustration and my confidence suffers. Does this happen to any you other artists? anthony W?
I know exactly what you mean- I’m balancing what feels like the “collection of shame” at the RA next week with a big London museum and gallery tour to shift my focus from my work to my inspiration.. Perhaps a soho bar for some much needed fortification will also be just the thing !!
You raise such an intuitive point:”the rabbit hole” of questioning if I need to ‘adjust my style to be more contemporary and edgy’ like what you identify as the “winners selection” is a very boring route to go down. Here’s why: you switch off the part of your creativity that explores what feels authentic, and go into “autopilot” making.. it sort of disassociates you from your work, you feel distant to it as you don’t necessarily feel like it is a representation of your voice as an artist, but a reflection of other motifs and creative decisions of “contemporary artists”.. it lasts a week or so then you get bored and go back to doing what you’re interested in.. at least I do!
It’s a great exercise to try something new to see if it excites you and propels your practise into new territories - comfort zone is never where we want to exist forever/ but as an artist who loves her earth tones and the unfashionable subject of “beauty” and the sublime in art- I think we just keep doing what we love until the right audience comes along! We’ll be so glad we didn’t compromise our integrity as taste is perpetually changing in the art world.
@@ArtLifeWeekly its true, I have done that too gone in the rabbit hole, and your right we should be true to ourselves and whats in our own hearts
@@ArtLifeWeekly Jessie, thank you for your response. Have you read the book "Creative Authenticity" by Ian Roberts? He, too, is a realist painter and is very interested in the search for "beauty" and, as you say, 'the sublime in art.' I'm re-reading it now for the umpteenth time.
@@colleenwhite7466 Ah I haven't! thanks for the recommendation Colleen! I'll check it out
Rejection is part of the business and thank you for sharing and providing a good model on how to deal with it. Your show is something to look forward to though and excited to see it come together.
Thanks Anthony
It is very interesting that you touch on the subject of rejection. It is the constant fear of the artist as we produce personal creations and put them out there and they will be judged. It is how we learn to handle the judgement that makes the difference. So well done on sharing your experience on rejection as this is often not talked about. Well done on everything on your channel it is a joy to journey with you.
Thank you for your kind words Inverted- Popes it’s our pleasure
I’m not a painter but I enjoy watching the process of it all. And a lot of what you are saying about rejection as an artist can apply for any creative field I think.
Thanks for watching and commenting Anne!
So very true
WOW you got short listed, thats a big Win!!! I could only dream to reach that level, it happens to me all the time, but after being disappointed, and feeling a bit lost afterwards, I rise back up , bounce back , brushing myself down and step up.
I think your fantastic and your art and love your videos too. keep them coming please xx
Will do Flynnfamily1! Thanks for watching 🤗
I was just giving the same thing. Bring shirt listed is a win itself. It means you're among the elite of the chosen!
Hi! You are perfectly right to remind every artist that rejection does not mean that your work is not good enough but just that it was just not the right time or place. Thank you for sharing ☺️ Watching you work is so inspiring. Those greens are so vibrant. A very summery vibe ♥️ See you next week
Thanks for your lovely comment Antares!
Thank you very much for your sharing about the topic of rejection and for your videos in general.. painting (or experimenting with painting more like it) has been the only thing constant in my life. And although I'm very tired of disappointing myself with every single experiment, leaving the whole thing sometimes for years and coming back to it only to disappoint myself once again, your videos have inspired me to chill and just go with it and try again. A fan for some time now and whenever a new vid is up, i like it immediately so that I wouldn't forget to do that later on. Wishing you the best. Cheers
Thanks for watching, liking and commenting Zein!
Thanks for watching, liking and commenting Zein!
I am definitely invested in color mixing. I work in mixed media, and have not touched oil in years. Would you ever do a video or a series of videos talking g about the differences in oils, acrylics, pastels and water colors?
I would say that I am the weakest in the color department.
We did do an episode on the colour wheel but I would love to go deeper into colour theory as it is an essential topic for sure!
When you asked about suggestions for art life content, I just knew when you follow your inspiration you will create a superb video! Bravo, your message is so important for all creatives out there! 'Rejection' is just a part of creative life. Unless, there is an artist out there who never ever experienced rejection-hard to imagine. Actors, writers. illustrators, painters, musicians, you name it, the entire lot, we probably all have many a rejection story to tell. It is indeed sometimes hard not to take it personally, but sometimes we do. While it is okay to feel down, we should never let these feelings linger. Because, as you say, so many factors could be the reason for a rejection. We must pick ourselves up and continue with our creative quest. As we do so, we develop. And as we develop, at one point in time, all factors will play in our favour-that is grace manifest and all the reason to celebrate and be grateful. But until then, keep forging ahead. Glad you shared your insights on rejection and congrats on being shortlisted, that is pretty awesome! Best wishes xoxo
Thanks for the amazing comment Monique! We're humbled to have such wonderful supportive viewers! Thanks again for watching!
Your intellect and talent coupled with your honesty is so helpful for all... not only for artists. Inspirational!
Thanks for another lovely comment Chris!
*insert austrian man meme*
If seriously, nice video (:
Classic timing! I'll be hearing back about a competition this week. Of course, I was thinking of not applying until the last second. I'm not expecting to be a finalist....but if I am I think I'll be too horrified to share it. Lovely to listen to you opening up about a large chunk of an artists life. You be proud too! Collecting your precious art from the Royal f-ing Academy, amazing! That's something to tell the grankids about . Plus hopefully a gallery and artshop visit for us ;)
thanks for your lovely comment Kate! Gallery and art shop coming your way soon!😉
Oh please share it if you succeed. Success stories are just as inspiring
Hello any one know what dose (artlanirives) means?
But what does it mean when the rejectors state they want to keep in touch? I applied to a mentoring and found the application easier than being a mentee looking for a mentor😊
not sure if i understand the question
@@ArtLifeWeekly I figured it out, it was just mannerable. Not authentic but polite....