Trying new stuff: necessary & heartbreaking
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It's important to try new things. Most artists slip into "try" mode very easily. We try for a positive outcome when we paint. ...and we keep the faith that failed attempts in painting will come to fruition later when lessons learned are revealed. When we succeed it makes all the preceding (failed) trys worthwhile. You'd think we'd be a bit braver in other arenas too... I thought I'd give designing greeting cards a shot. "Strung Out" was submitted and rejected, promptly. Honestly, it's never easy. But like a good painting, when success or "acceptance" does happen it's important to remember it happened because we tried. Getting juried into the next big show, selling out at an exhibit, getting 300+ visitors a day on your blog--all these things happen because we tried. On a related note, I had (several) similar designs also rejected. It was either write about my cats again today or try to remind myself and hopefully you too trying new stuff is good despite the rejections. But I can't rule out writing more about my cats in the future. (:
I've read that some writers (and you could say artists in general) measure success by how many rejections they get.
ReplyDelete"Commit to the process. Detach from the outcome." This favorite quote of mine I found at your blog. You have committed in this way, and because of that, you are a success. Good for you for continuing to try new things!
You could paint your cats. The design and drawing are good, so too, would be the painting!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pat, I persevere! (: Pam, painting the cats (more) is on my to-do list. I want to do some fun graphic cat paintings similar to the card design in this post.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your cat paintings, Di. By the way, we'll be looking for a kitten near the end of July, so if you know of any we could rescue (free, if possible), that'd be great!
ReplyDeletegosh, we are on a similar 'brain-wave' of late - that's the idea I wrote of in yesterday's blog post (though I don't know if I stated it so clearly as you did). It can be so discouraging when things don't go as you had hoped. Yet, it's so true, 'committing to the process' is such a part of this....longevity truly means sticking with it no matter what the obstacles. And usually - there is an unexpected positive even amid the "failure". Sometimes it just takes a bit of time for it to unfold. (and some of them longer than others). I came home from yesterday's painting session feeling beat, tired, sunblind and wondering if I was going to end up with a 6x8 of colorless mud. And while it's not a finished painting, I was not too disappointed with the results after I came back to look later in the day.
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed your work- whether it's flowers, or cats - and especially look forward to seeing more cats!!
You paint exactly what you want to paint, my friend. The rest will arrive when it's supposed to...
ReplyDeleteThank you for such an inspirational post. You courage to put yourself out there shows great inner fortitude and strength and belief in your abilities. You know you're talented, we know you're gifted, its just such a breath of fresh air to see you are always pushing outside your safe zones and that equal growth. Thanks Diane for reminding me of that important quality.
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, Im just starting out with my Blog and would like to cross promote your sites.http://douglascarter.blogspot.com/ This is where you can find me
Roxanne, it's so true what you said about unexpected positives coming out of failure-- even if it's just knowing "ok, THAT won't work." (: But unless one is able to stay the course and have a somewhat open mind-- it can feel pretty futile. It's a fine balance. Big hug: DJ & Sheila!! Douglas, I will add you when I next update, thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteThought you would like my favorite quote about rejection:
ReplyDelete"Genius is actually the eventual public recognition of dozens (or even hundreds) of failed attempts at solving a problem. Sometimes we fail in public, often we fail in private, but people who are doing creative work are constantly failing."
Your work is fabulous! I just received your beautiful note cards and love every one of them!
Oh...and btw...I used to freelance at a Greeting card company. Seemed like they were always turning down the good stuff for the mediocre! In my experience, many Art Directors get stuck in a groove and don't recognize quality when they see it! ;)
ReplyDeleteGwen--that's the best quote I've heard in a long time!!! Heh, of course, after I wrote this post it occured to me that it might have been the perfect opportunity for me to mention my blank notecards, doh! (fail! lol) I'm glad you like them, thanks again for the purchase and especially for your wonderful comments!
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