I know how disappointing it is to receive that dreaded “rejection letter”. You worked so hard and finally decide to get up the courage to enter a very important show but the judge didn’t select your work. Rejection isn’t fun and it makes you wonder if you are good enough to every get into a major show. I was cleaning out a closet yesterday when I found a journal filled with thoughts, stories and disappointments. I thought I would share this one with you.
March 24, 1992
“Today I received my 6th rejection in an art show. The last two were State wide shows…seems bad to me when I can’t even get in a statewide show. One slide I thought for sure would be accepted…Oh well! I wonder what I’m doing wrong…my associate painters get in all these shows and win awards. I guess I am a tad down right now. I am determined to becomes a quality painter…dare I say artist? Work more daring, be more creative and never, never give up.”
I smiled when I read this in my journal. It was written many years ago and things have changed. I never gave up on my dream of being an artist…and yes, today I confidently say “I am an Artist”. This is what I want for you…be stubborn, work more daring, be more creative, believe in yourself and never, never give up.
