Something you won't see at Quilt National
Martha's Wedding. Like 500 other people I wasn't accepted. Not the first time I haven't been in and probably not the last time but I try. If you don't enter for sure you won't be in!
A couple of weeks ago I was cruising through some blogs and came upon
one that was explaining why she didn’t bother to enter Quilt National.
Reason 1. Been there, done that,
Reason 2. QN just wasn’t all that innovative any more.
Reason 3. Don’t need the affirmation that my work is good.
Reason 1. OK
I’ve been there, done that, I would welcome the chance to do it again. It’s a
great event with all kinds of artists and you think to yourself, Wow, I’m one
of THEM!!! There are few things that compare to seeing your work hung in the
Dairy Barn.
Reason 2. QN
just not innovative? It depends on the jurors totally. We can but submit work
and hope and pray we get accepted. It’s the artist’s job to grow and stretch.
Speaking honostly, making work to submit to QN keeps me going forward. I could
just make quilts and throw them under the bed. But it’s better to let them see
some light once and awhile.
Reason 3. Had enough affirmation? I don’t think any of us
has enough affirmation., at least not in my world. Of course when I got in QN
in 2007 my mother told me “Your Head Is Going to be So Big!” She also told me
not to go to the opening. I went, and was proud and happy to be there. I am
always surprised when a stranger comes up and says I love your work. What?! Who
me? Gee thanks. I struggle to be gracious, and I am always surprised and
appreciative. I figure if you don’t need affirmation maybe your head IS too
big!
So we wait for the jury to let us know, In or Out. Most likely Out, the chances are slim of getting in. Out of 1000 quilts they maybe take 70, so what are your chances. But I know my work is my best, I am moving forward and what they don’t accept will see the light somewhere else.
Hear, hear! Hear those words of wisdom. I second everything you said in this post. Mostly, If you don't enter you will never be chosen. I hope I was one of the people you remember from 2007 who said "I love your work". And I still do. Love, Del
ReplyDeleteI am one who is quite inspired by your work and appreciate your insight on submitting to Quilt National. I went a few years ago with friends who are much more knowledgeable than I and am still digesting what I saw there that day. I have been transitioning between the traditional quilt maker I've become and the artistic roots of my youth - kind of soul searching a bit and trying to figure out what the heck I'm doing and want to continue on doing. QN was largely influential in that. I have discovered that I tend to work better with a goal in mind - and for me that is usually a show of some sort. Maybe there's a need for validation, affirmation, to satisfy the ego and give me a little bit of purpose. I personally am a stay at home mother of over a decade - a college and beauty school drop out (several times)! LOL So for me, most of my achievements have been quilting related. I guess I do need that affirmation. But is that wrong? I don't think so. If she doesn't - well - one less quilt means I have that much more of a shot right? LOL Quilt National is one of the more expensive venues to submit to so chances are if I don't try at some point it will more likely be because I'm too broke than not needing or wanting to participate! :)
ReplyDelete