It's a "no."
Had a bit of a sulk, then went to a couple of bead/gem stones and spent several hundred dollars. Nothing like retail therapy.
On a funny side - I had to write an "artist statement" for the jury. All about what inspires me- the burning urges inside that help bubble up all my creativity. I know I should have one and so I spent hours one day trying to write this thing without sounding like a pompous git. Apparently, what I wrote seems to be more akin to soft porn. My husband read it and thinks its hot. All the talking about the molten metal swirling around or something. I should spend more time alone with him apparently..... he seems a bit hard up. Too funny.
So a bit cheesed I guess about the results, but to coin an overused phrase, "it is what it is."
Back to work.
Cheers!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Jury Duty
On Sunday I am to take four pieces of jewelry to be juried for the daily market at Granville Island. The jury is held only once every two years. Two years ago, I was tempted but knew that even though my work was pretty, it wasn't up to snuff for the artisans on Granville Island. Frankly, I am nervous about my chances this time too. The competition is fierce and the quality of the artists is outstanding.
Any jury is nervewracking though. Here you are, being judged on whether your work is good enough to sell. They say yes, and wow - big sigh of relief, validation, "They really like me...." You get told "no" though and it's hard to not take it personally. It is a huge blow to one's ego, to one's motivation to keep going. You question whether to keep slogging away at something that means so much and wonder if anyone will ever think it's good enough. It is difficult to sometimes keep that professional distance - to understand that you are not being judged, that it is simply not the right venue for your work. And the problem is too that there is no explanation given when you are told no. It would be nice to know that your worked was liked, but there weren't enough open spaces, that it's not suited for the market, that something.....but it's just NO.
Vancouver is a very competitive jewerly marketplace. There are a lot of designers and they are very good. And while I know that what I make is definitely unique, it is also a more difficult sell. Finding the right venue can be a challenge, and remembering that the jury process is there to make sure that you are successful at the market can help ease the blow of rejection. Let's hope that I remember my own words when I get my answer next week.
Overall, I do prefer markets that jury - even if I don't get in, and especially when I do. It does mean that there is a certain standard that sets the market above just the "first come first served" venue. The customers have a higher expectation and are more likely to appreciate the artistry of the vendors ( and accordingly, shop). They are not there just looking for a bargain or some inexpensive imported bauble to keep the kids quiet for a few minutes.
So....we shall see what happens next week. I won't have an answer right away on Sunday and will have to wait a few days. I'm taking four carefully chosen pieces - "Blooms", a new piece from the Alchemy collection, "Vintage Punk," and .....torn between two others.
There's always 2013.
Any jury is nervewracking though. Here you are, being judged on whether your work is good enough to sell. They say yes, and wow - big sigh of relief, validation, "They really like me...." You get told "no" though and it's hard to not take it personally. It is a huge blow to one's ego, to one's motivation to keep going. You question whether to keep slogging away at something that means so much and wonder if anyone will ever think it's good enough. It is difficult to sometimes keep that professional distance - to understand that you are not being judged, that it is simply not the right venue for your work. And the problem is too that there is no explanation given when you are told no. It would be nice to know that your worked was liked, but there weren't enough open spaces, that it's not suited for the market, that something.....but it's just NO.
Vancouver is a very competitive jewerly marketplace. There are a lot of designers and they are very good. And while I know that what I make is definitely unique, it is also a more difficult sell. Finding the right venue can be a challenge, and remembering that the jury process is there to make sure that you are successful at the market can help ease the blow of rejection. Let's hope that I remember my own words when I get my answer next week.
Overall, I do prefer markets that jury - even if I don't get in, and especially when I do. It does mean that there is a certain standard that sets the market above just the "first come first served" venue. The customers have a higher expectation and are more likely to appreciate the artistry of the vendors ( and accordingly, shop). They are not there just looking for a bargain or some inexpensive imported bauble to keep the kids quiet for a few minutes.
So....we shall see what happens next week. I won't have an answer right away on Sunday and will have to wait a few days. I'm taking four carefully chosen pieces - "Blooms", a new piece from the Alchemy collection, "Vintage Punk," and .....torn between two others.
There's always 2013.
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