This was so good to read!! I really appreciate you starting this conversation about rejection and feeling like you failed... I think it is such an important thing to talk about, and not just stay quiet or not-wanting-to-share-failure, since also you mentioned there is so many ways to get out of it and even grow from it (easy to say afterwards I guess not so much when it just happened). So now I ll try not to forget anything I wanted to reply to you..:)
Well I think for sure focusing on something else is key, to me anyways, (actually just realized that recently (again?) where I just had to drop the project, to focus on things that will resonate more and get me inspired again, instead of fixing something that is not fixable anymore, or anyway to much energy spent for not much reward) And to finish I just wanted to make you a compliment for all the things you started making after the rejection!! you where really productive:) especially I really like your sketches, the colors and different techniques look awesome, I did always find that very inspiring to see sketchbooks like that where every page is filled with colors and drawings (I never manage, too much writing and random sketching pops up over time..) and also I love the skirt you made with the wholes, for sure a bit naked, but it looks really cool I find!! Well so on I hope you got(and will get even more) all the inspiration you could out of this rejection, or find enough distraction from it!! (so you can save up the fire for next time:))
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Yes, you are right failure comes with the art... especially when you need to sell/comply to the market. I am especially bad at this (selling I mean). But its not the market alone, but the process of creating which often leads to doubts and self critic and I think it is really helpful to have the possibility to be open about this without the fear of other using this against one.
And the relevant community’s in Hive are really helpful in this regard.
As I have commented, I for example find the way you tackle sewing/fashion super interesting and helpful (perhaps because I am more timid regarding sewing). It is liberating to see how you work and your photo setups are always wonderful. Reading about your process lets me connect even more… And having people (like you and all the others who commented) whose art and personality you value is very important to get going when the outside (or the inner critic) pushes back.
argh… rambling, sorry.
Just for you to laugh: i had to unravel the shawl because i misread row 3 so fundamentally it even was funny 😄
And with the sketchbook. I also have sketchbooks which are more like a notebook with ideas, scribbling, fast sketches and the occasionally filled page. This more formal sketchbook where I try to fill every (ok, most) pages is a new thing for me. It helps that the book is so tiny (11 x 11 cm) 🤣
Yes for sure, I guess selling "things" has its own science all together, but I feel you when it comes to your own honest expression (through art) it becomes a lot more difficult. I guess a rejection of a piece then feels more as a rejection of your self.. Then even there though, I had to learn, that exposing yourself in that sense might go wrong, and might put you down. But then if you find resonance and people understanding and appreciating it, this is just worth so much, I feel, that all the rejections are kind of worth it... So I feel like not exposing in fear of rejection isnt really an option anymore, even though keeping expectations as low as possible really helps..
And then as you said I also feel amazed by all the positive and inspiring exchange, feedback and exposure on hive. There as well it did take me a long time actually from creating my account to post something (in doubt I would cope with bad or no reaction at all) but again I am super happy I went for it and didnt shy away..
For your art, as well, the part I saw of it on hive, I was very inspired by it I must say. How you found a way to combine sewing/crocheting with contemporary art, installations and sculptures which is something I was thinking of but havent seen or found anywhere!!
to come to an end well yes I guess having a small sketchbook helps..:) and keeping the thinking low might help against unravelling..hahah