Since my last post I have had a series of four rejections to quilt shows. This has made me rethink my focus on building my resume. As I looked over the list of calls for entry I did not get into, I came up with a couple of insights.

After looking at the work accepted to these exhibits;  it was clear that two of the exhibitions “favored’ abstract or abstracted compositions. These shows also focused on artists who have a experimental approach to materials. My work was not a good fit because it is figurative and more closely associated with traditional art mediums (photography and painting) .

The other two exhibitions asked entrants to respond to a specific theme. Of the work I have seen accepted into these shows, it was clear my submissions were out of sync – a little too edgy or provocative. I also was creating something for the show and not pulling something from my portfolio to enter. This is a mistake I have made before and yet I did it again!

As luck would have it, a good friend and fellow artist came to visit. We had a great time visiting Kenyatta Art Village and  some local galleries downtown.

She explained how she was heading in a new direction with her art business. Her plan was to limit her teaching schedule to spend more time creating for a studio sale with a few other artists. After sale is over, she will work on becoming  a member of local gallery or co-op.

Now I have a new direction.

• Target my submissions to limited number of exhibitions. This will allow me more studio time to focus on creating.  Then I focus my efforts of finding somewhere locally to sell my work. 

Until next time…..
Margaret