Creative Energy: August 6, 2021

“Myriad” 24x30 Currently on exhibition at the Kentucky State Capital

V U L N E R A B I L I T Y A N D C O U R A G E

Vulnerability is an everyday occurrence for artists. Each time you create you are putting all your soul into your art and then having the courage to present it to the world. This fact alone will stop some people from ever creating. For me it’s not an option, I have to create. And, yes, sometimes I get anxious or feel rejected.

Recently I applied to a “Call to Artist” by the Kentucky Governor’s office. My painting “Myriad” was chosen to hang in the Kentucky State Capital. I am very honored with this opportunity.

I thought I would share how a “Call to Artist” works. It may be a creative show, exhibition, artist-in-residence, or grant and it is at once an opportunity and an occasion for vulnerability. You are putting your creative work out into the world and saying, I feel my art is worthy; now the judges get to decide if they think you are good enough. The results can be fickle: one year I get in and win a prize, then the next year, new jurors and a rejection letter.

There are thousands of opportunities for artists, but you don’t want to apply to all of them. Some things that I consider when planning to apply are as follows.
• What is the theme or nature of the show. Is it a good match for my work?
• Does it have a national/international reputation or large prizes?
• Who are the judges for the show and what are their backgrounds?
• How much does it cost to enter and how many samples can I submit?
• Location of the show and the shipping cost of the art.

Sometimes I feel it is just the roll of the dice if my paintings are excepted.

Artists know what vulnerability is. You may want to check out this famous TED Talk by Brene’ Brown on the Power of Vulnerability. Click to watch.