Monday, May 16, 2011


Rejection should get easier as we get older right? Or maybe you don't get used to it as a tapestry weaver as there are so few decent opportunities to exhibit.

I was very disappointed to be turned down for Art Tapestry 3 last week. I'd been working on my submission all Winter and it was a real blow. The platitudes in the rejection letter were particularly platitudinous (nothing to do with the quality of the work apparently!) and I felt all of a sudden so totally isolated in what is already a rather isolating craft.


Right now the vegetable garden seems like a worthwhile place to spend my time and energy but I guess I'll make it back into the henshed before long. As my ever practical and pragmatic friend Katy always says 'No one died...'! Hurt pride maybe but nothing worse than that.

7 comments:

Helen Hallows said...

What a shame. It's so difficult as creatives to put ourselves out there, and the knocks hurt. Tapestry weaving takes such purpose and self belief to keep slogging on. I hope you find some other avenues to exhibit your beautiful work. I hope too that the vegetables are a success!

Olga Norris said...

Rejection is always horrid, and one never gets used to the casual lottery of rejection from juried exhibitions. Spoil yourself for a wee while, then, start again.

Else said...

I'm with Helen on that one - it's horrible when one's work is rejected, and it can feel very personal - but it's a very lucky few who never experience that! But true, no one died - and the work still exists to be appreciated, and one day cherished, by those who 'get it'.

Helen Hallows said...

Oh no! I just joined the club . I got turned down for the Wirksworth Festival so sympathy has turned to empathy. It doesn't get any easier, but the wine helps!!

Meabh Warburton said...

Thanks all! I'm done licking my wounds now I think. On to the next...
Méabh
PS - Cheers Helen!

Bozena Wojtaszek said...

Hi, I just discovered your blog through Olga's. Well, it seems that I'll be a permanent visitor.

But now, just wanted to tell you that, sooner or later, life will bring you some better option for your rejected work, I'm sure :)

Meabh Warburton said...

Hello Bozena - welcome and thanks for your comment.
Méabh