Embracing Rejection
I recently submitted "Coherence" to an open art call for Korea Blockchain Week (KBW2023) and I was truly eager to be a part of it. It had been quite some time since I had felt such a strong desire to participate in an art call. Similarly, it had been a while since I had experienced the disappointment of not being selected (it probably stems from my profound fascination with the East). Ah, rejection - it can be a big fat bummer!
Although I have received only a few grants, residencies, or art calls, the number of times I have faced rejection is countless. Initially, each rejection would leave me with a stomachache. However, with time and multiple rejections (it takes practice), I managed to overcome these visceral reactions and gleaned some invaluable lessons:
Various factors can shape opportunities, including the perspectives of panelists and the specific requirements of the show. Even group dynamics can exert influence in this regard. I learned a lot about this when I served on grant panels. It gave me a whole new perspective on those sought-after opportunities. And you know what? Rejection is just part of the process, not the end. The most successful artists aren't the ones who never faced rejection, but the ones who keep going despite it. Rejection never defines your worth or your ability (by the way, I don't believe in the word "talent").
Submitting artwork made me realize how important it is to share my work with different audiences. You never know when unexpected opportunities might arise, even if you weren't initially chosen. Personally, I've experienced this and found it to be more beneficial than being selected outright. Each application, exhibition, and performance serves as a testament to your unwavering determination. It's a rebellion against the fear of rejection, demonstrating your courage to share a piece of your soul with the world.
Whenever I pursue an opportunity, it really drives me to carefully outline my objectives, dive deep into exploration, and express the purpose of my work in a way that hopefully connects with others. The process of making my work understandable, both visually and verbally, not only helps others grasp it, but also allows me to refine and clarify what I am doing. Applying for opportunities is such a crucial step in every artist's journey, giving us a chance to showcase our creativity, step out of our comfort zones, and share our work with the world.
So, while my work wasn't chosen this time, the rejection itself was intriguing and this is good! Currently, I'm creating a collection, called "Soulscapes," in collaboration with Virtualness.io. This series explores the profound significance of staying connected to our authentic selves in a rapidly evolving reality and the advancements of world-defining technologies. As I work on the next three pieces, I'm intentionally taking my time to observe the pressures of constantly producing and engaging in these times. Instead of releasing a completed collection, I've chosen to witness the evolution of these pieces as I use time to delve deeper.
Honestly, it has been a struggle to allow myself the space and time to work at my pace, especially in these hyperpaced digital/NFT spaces. Yet, by giving myself the necessary time, "Coherence" evolved. I firmly believe that I would not have reached this point if I had not embraced the opportunity presented by KBW2023. You know what else is interesting? The rejection has actually made me more determined...this time, I‘ve decided to submit to the next open call with Decentral Tokyo.
To wrap up, rejection is not a judgment on your abilities but rather a stepping stone in your artistic journey. It's like a dance between your creative resilience and persistent determination. Instead of seeing rejection as a failure, see it as a vital part of your growth as an artist. Every rejection gets you closer, honing your skills and fortifying your determination. So, the next time rejection appears, allow yourself time to feel the feels, and then grab all the tools and get creating...or as art critic Jerry Saltz says, "Get to work, you big babies." Because, in the bigger picture of your artistic journey, every experience—whether acceptance or rejection—adds depth and richness to the masterpiece that is you. So, what are you going to apply for next?
