Rejection and negative feedback… is something we rarely discuss as artists and makers.
There is always a group of people who didn’t get the acceptance letter. They witness the celebration online while they are likely feeling some feels.
The following is a short message for anyone whose name wasn’t on the list they needed their name to be on...
For context, this week, I received four rejections for exhibitions, opportunities and residencies. That’s four days unpaid work writing proposals and statements (why do they make us do budgets before the shortlist?) and so much heart on a platter stuff.
I average, one yay for every 9 nays… that’s a lot of nays.
The pain is real, it never gets easier…feel it, exhale and then celebrate knowing that the sheer act of art making is an act of benevolence. You got this. Your work is valid.
Keep going.
Big Love,
L-xx
(A version of this was originally published on my instagram account in the Fisher’s Ghost Part Prize 2022 announcement… I won’t share the plethora of private messages I received, but the public comments are there for you to peruse. We all feel this deeply. It’s the system… not you that is broken)
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I’d feel disingenuous if I didn’t state that I received some wonderful wins this week as well.
This post was inspired by the the Oslo Davis for Art Guide Australia: We regret to inform you…
