I'm A Real Artist

Last month, I sent a proposal for an opportunity as an artist in residence. The artist would spend a week on site creating art that would then become part of a permanent collection. I want to thank the Academy, and Andy Fish for answering all my questions about the process and for cheering me on. Thanks also to Erica Vestch for helping to edit my proposal.  The winning proposal was announced last Thursday. The winning proposal was not mine. I didn't expect my proposal to be accepted, but was still a little disappointed.

No, I'm not looking for sympathy here. This was my first time for applying for such a post. The purpose of the exercise was to get out of my comfort zone and actually submit a proposal. I did that even though I was weak in areas the jury was considering. I have not exhibited my work in many juried shows. Oh, I've particiapted in the faculty art museum shows, and a few shows through my guild, but not in any shows where I my work had to compete for attention and space.

Still, I submitted the proposal. It's so easy to listen to the inner critic complain about not being "good" or not being "good enough". I could have made a number of excuses of not having a "good enough" idea, or not enough time to prepare the proposal, or the sky was cloudy the day I sat down to write my bio.  So pardon me while I pat myself on the back. With my first rejection letter, I have proof I am now a real artist. I can now set my goal to apply to other shows and artist opportunities.

What have you tried lately, that's been outside of your comfort zone?