Having had a decent run of being accepted at several juried art shows over the past years, I currently find myself in the midst of a dry spell. When I received my last rejection letter I was considerably disappointed ... no shows in the near future to prepare for, combined with few sales in the past months contribute to a bleak feeling.
And yet this is part of being an artist. You can not be accepted to every show you apply to. Your work isn't always loved as much as (you think) it should be. Long periods of time can pass with little or no recognition.
An artistic career would not be a calling for individuals who thrive on praise and attention.
Dwelling on downsides for an extended period of time is not useful, however. As trite as it may seem, one must look for silver linings.
Silver linings of an empty schedule:
- Freedom to dream and experiment
- Time for exercise and reading
- A surprising sense of relaxation and ease
- Taking stock of what is working (or not) in one's life
- An acceptance of what life offers (good and bad)
- Remembering what you really love and what really makes you tick
Adversity and struggle create growth and importantly: humility. Growth can be painful but is ultimately rewarding. Humility is necessary so you are not a pompous ass to everyone you encounter.
Worth pondering in 'down' times: the Buddhist notion of the 8 worldly concerns. We desire the 'good' and are averse to the 'bad', but life cycles through ups and downs. This can not be avoided. We can only learn to ride the waves of both.
Joseph Goldstein's talk on Equanimity and the 8 Vicissitudes (worldly concerns) has been very comforting for me.
Worth pondering in 'down' times: the Buddhist notion of the 8 worldly concerns. We desire the 'good' and are averse to the 'bad', but life cycles through ups and downs. This can not be avoided. We can only learn to ride the waves of both.
Joseph Goldstein's talk on Equanimity and the 8 Vicissitudes (worldly concerns) has been very comforting for me.
Here are a few paintings I've completed in 2015:
