Sharing good news on my blog is a wonderful thing. There is always such nice, supportive feedback. Thanks to everyone who has sent congratulations for my recent successes. At the same time, I don't want to give the impression that "everything" goes well all of the time. It doesn't. In fact, in real life, I tend to focus on the negative and discount the positive. This is an attitude I'm trying to address.
I've returned to writing Morning Pages...from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. I went through this process during the summer of 2005. It changed my life, let me believe in myself and taught me to say, "I'm an artist". So, I recently picked up the book and serendipitously turned to a chapter on dealing with criticism. This happened within a week of finding a blog post about my solo show at Francis Marion, one in which the author suggested I was bored with my own work. While I acknowledged her many compliments, I fixated on the one, inaccurate offending sentence. This is not how I want to react in the future. This is not how I want to accept the negative...especially when it is covered in so much goodness.
So....
I wasn't accepted into Center of the Earth Gallery...
But....
The email came very quickly after mailing the material! I've applied to only two other galleries. The first application was months ago and I didn't even get a message that the materials were received...not a word. The email message was very complimentary and suggested galleries in the Charlotte area that might be interested.
I think I'll focus on the positive. There's been so much of it lately that it would be a shame not to enjoy it; and, I think I'll follow up with the new lead!
Day to day journal of installation, embroidery, and fiber arts created by Susan Lenz
Don't take the critism of others too seriously. Many people who'understand' your work love it - I think it's those who don't 'understand' who critisise too easily. Your work is fantastic! I am so sorry I missed you in person recently. I need an excuse for a textile trip to USa to meet you! I too love Julia C's books have done morning pages for several years but gave up recently as I felt writing them during my low ebb was not helping although she says in her books that is the time we need to do them most!!
ReplyDelete"I wasn't accepted..........." This time!!! Folllow that lead, it may be the one you are meant to take.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you want to hear negative thinking you should hear me on a golf course!!
I am right there with you when it comes to focusing on the negatitive. You are way ahead of me though because you are putting your work out there and risking the critisim. This is the next step I need to take.
ReplyDeleteYou do a great job of thinking positive on your blog. Your attitude, even when reporting disappointments, is very encouraging.
Gee, it sounds like we are sisters. We suffer the same problems. You could do what I do....get really down and depressed. On the other hand, you can probably come up with a better soloution.
ReplyDelete