It is great that it’s a world of diverse opinions and perspectives in this world. But when you get the “skinny letter, aka a rejection on a submitted artwork,” it smarts a bit when it’s one of your personal favorites. I submitted it for the My Little Corner Of The World exhibit. Of course, one never really knows why something doesn’t make the cut unless they tell you, which never seems to happen. And it can have little to do with the piece itself. In this case, I do suspect that it’s the quality of the photograph. I have always done my own photography but recently I had a problem capturing a good shot of another piece and I think the problem is similar. They are each multi-media pieces with layers of fabric, some of which is see through organza; various textures in the same piece poses another problem for cameras that just aren’t capable of this range of detail. In this case there’s also some paint mixed in as well as transfers. Sections are meant to me a little out of focus as here with the Native American figure on the bottom right is supposed to be receding into the background and fading from view as a metaphor for what is happening in native cultures in general, yet I think that in the photo it appears to just be a blurry photo rather than an intentional statement. Of course, it may have nothing to do with why it was rejected, but I still have a problem to deal with because it’s not the only piece that been effected.
Perhaps I need to put those pennies away until enough of them accumulate for a new camera. Or I may stick to more straightforward materials until I deal with the problem because paying a professional photographer is not affordable for me. Then again, when I talked with Gwyned Trefethen about this subject she put out the idea of trying to set up a group photo shoot that might bring the cost down for a bunch of us. This sounds plausible to me. Meanwhile, I really do need to make an appointment at the opthamologist.
Linking up again with Nina Marie’s Off The Wall Friday Blog.
Turtlemoon Impressions 
Your piece looks intriguing. As you point out, there are so many reasons why a particular piece does not get accepted and that was an extremely competitive call for entry. Maybe when you see the pieces that did get accepted you will have a better idea of why yours was not. And, the idea of a group shoot is an excellent thought. I have worked with layered organza and it is possible to get good photos……but I was lucky enough to have a professional photographer with reasonable prices to capture my images for me. It is possible to do yourself but it is a whole area of study by itself! Hope that you will solve the photo dilemma and re-enter your piece. It deserves to be shown!
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Thanks Judy! Yes, I’m happy for those who have been accepted and look forward to seeing the choices that the jurers made. Although I have spent a lot of time into learning and practicing photography, there’s always more to investigate and figure out! For a good part of last year I entered some great challenges in a group that is very generous with their time sharing lots of info with one another. As usual, managing my time is the biggest challenge! I will definitely re-enter it somewhere.
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Back at ya Clara! Chin up and keep at it!
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I feel your painJanis. I also got a rejection letter yesterday from a different exhibition. Although we know the possibility of rejection always exists when we put our work out there, it still doesn’t make rejection easy.
I maintain that being an artist is one of the bravest things a person can do.
For now, just enjoy on the pleasure this art piece gives you and block everything else out.
Hugs,
Clara
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Thanks for the cameraderie! It’s just a little sting…just one small art quilt and I pretty easily have a good perspective on where this fits into the pain level in my life …not a biggie! 🙂 More concerned about my photography problems.
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I think it’s lovely. The heck with those people. 💛💛💛
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As you know pieces are rejected more often because it doesn’t fit the vision of what the curator has in mind and has nothing to do with the quality of the piece. With that being said, even though you know that , it is a blow to the ego. That’s a bummer. I really like the piece from what I can see, but you are right, the layers and different elements don’t come across in the photo. Also you may have included this in your submission but it looks to me like there is a story or personal thoughts behind this piece. I think that is really important with something like this. First and foremost – keep submitting! The next one will probablly love it 🙂
Btw, I just took a craftsy class on mobile photography and since I only have an iPhone for a camera, it has improved my photos a lot. They also gave quite a few other classes on digital photography in general.
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I’d probably help myself out if I took a class. I hear the Pixiedladies classes are very good. Thanks for the feedback! It helps!
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It is a gorgeous piece. Their loss.
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Well, I think you are wonderful and an inspiration. Diane Kelley
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OUCH! how could it not sting?. the piece looks quite intriguing…..but yes…one never knows how the jurying process will go…may be the photo submitted….may be the sheer number of entrants….so many things could affect the jurors choice ….and then look what happens in judged competitions, just how often are left scratching our heads. Art….it is personal to us…but the most important thing is the joy it brings for us to create….don’t loose sight of that.
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You are so right about that! I never lose sight of the joy in making!
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I think it’s great that you are putting your art out there and entering. I’ve never entered anything anywhere, I’m just not at that point yet with my work. So whether or not you get accepted, I think that “putting it out there” is a victory in itself.
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Yes, it took me quite a while before submitting anything but I tried to learn and improve until I felt that what I was doing was worth showing, so whenever you’re ready, take that step yourself! Are you a member of SAQA? They have an online critique group that helps out a lot along the way.
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It is just as likely that yours isn’t the only beauty turned away for lack of space. This piece is tells its story just as you intended….get your vision sharpened and your 3rd eye vision disappears in this case. Offer it rather to a museum exhibition where it belongs. It’s special.
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Thanks Sue! I appreciate that!
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it smarts and it’s a mystery…especially on this gorgeous piece, you have to scratch your head a bit! God’s will for something better, I’m sure!
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