Due to the high standard of applicants, we regret to inform you…

An opening sentence that sends shivers down your arms after the previous weeks/ months of apprehension. You’ve been checking your inbox, double checking your phone is still working (of course it is, it’s 2020 not 1985) as its results day for something that could potentially alter your art life.

You’ve applied for the RA Summer Exhibition, an open call, a residency, or a prize in your field – it’s the same jitters. Jaded but always hopeful, telling yourself it could be you/ It won’t be you/You did your best. Questioning; was it enough? This time? Please! Oh crap! You have to pick up your artwork, emblazoned with ticks and crosses, unceremoniously through the back door. Nothing like the pride you marched it – covered in bubble wrap and wishes – through the front door

Due to the high standard of applicants, we regret to inform you…it pre-rings in your ears before you even physically read it.

Out in the first round? How much guilt at spending on application fees and time ‘wasted’ on complex application processes. Down to the last 5, now not chosen? You were SO in with a shot. It’s still R.E.J.E.C.T.I.O.N. And it pangs. Aged 18 or 40 or 63, you’d love to stamp your feet and slam your bedroom door in frustration like you were 9 again.

We instantly forget all of the cool things and projects we have been involved with in the previous couple of years. The big picture/ long game fades away in the moment. No one brags about being shortlisted (unless it’s something MEGA). No one mentions the things they applied for if it doesn’t go any further. Like a dirty secret. I think we should embrace the losing, if only to feel less meh about ourselves. We are definitely not alone. After 3 of these emails in last 10 days – I’m winded but still utterly craving the need to create. Something bigger and wilder.

What do you do to bring yourself back into the making zone after rejection? Any tips to share to increase your patience and resilience?

My top tips would be:

*Remember work submitted, is totally ready for showing elsewhere (it’s framed, labelled, has copy thought about & written).

*Bonus that you now have great, recent photographs to show off on file.

*Check out the winners/ shortlist/ chosen applicants to see for yourself  that clearly your work wouldn’t have worked anyway, for that particular judging panel.

*Go back over all of the small wins and successes in your practice and compare how far you’ve moved along since 1 year/ 2 years/ 3 years ago.

*Take deep breaths & be thankful that you’re able to continue to express yourself creatively.

Bet you can’t believe where you are at now.

farahishaq.com

Multidisciplinary artist, MA Fine Art


5 Comments