I don’t usually use this blog as an opportunity to rant about whatever is bothering me, but my current beef, is relevant to an (occasional) art blog. That topic is the lack of respect that artists receive. FYI, exploitation is not a suitable substitute for the hole created by said lack of respect.
If you want your work seen, artists frequently find a sponsor. The ‘sponsor’ may be a gallery, an art collective; like a studio, a curator, corporate institution, store, …you get the idea. Of course, many artists choose not to go this route and promote themselves, through social media and website sales. For those artists who choose the later, good for you! However, self-promotion kind of sucks. It turns your art into a commodity which feels ICKY. I’m not a salesman. I don’t want to be a salesman. I don’t like to talk people into anything. I have a web presence, but mostly have chosen the traditional route of getting my art out there in art shows, galleries, etc, as previously described.
In almost every case, to show your art, there is an application process. Artist calls are posted for solo shows, group shows, curatorial opportunities, public art, publications, grants, residencies, and other projects. Many of these calls are handled professionally and with courtesy. I thank all those persons and institutions who have liked, shown, sold and supported my art and myself as an artist. This post is not about you.
You must understand that every art call application, every inquiry, every proposal takes time and effort by the artist who would most likely rather be making art. You must fill out the varying forms, write an artist bio, write an artist statement, photograph your work, make sure the images are in the proper format with the correct information, and frequently pay a fee for the curator to review your entry/application. The decision normally comes as an email or old school paper letter, which says yea, or a rejection that usually starts, “thank you for your entry, this year we received many wonderful artworks, and the selection process was a difficult one….” etc. If your letter starts like that you know been rejected.
Now, I’ve received many rejection letters. I should have kept them all as the pile would be high and deep, but a rejection letter is at least an answer. The curator, institution or jury has at least acknowledged you exist, and your entry was seen. Sometimes, YOU DON’T EVEN GET AN ANSWER. You paid your fee, did your best to send work that fit the theme or entry requirements, fretted to say something intelligent and relevant in your artist statement and you don’t even get a response. Sometimes, this ignorance comes from other artists! In fact, almost all curators are artists or at least have an art related specialty, like art history. To be ignored by other artists who know the time and money spent on these solicitations is really insulting. If there is an entry fee it feels like you’ve been scammed. My policy now is if I’m not familiar with an institution and they want an entry fee I don’t apply, unless it’s < $15.
Apart from monetary loss, a lack of response feels like you have been dismissed and aren’t worth the time to even reject. It makes you feel like the time, effort and love put into your art means nothing. This especially stings when it comes from other artists. Now, I realize that an insult is probably not the intention. But it makes the sponsor seem, disorganized, unprofessional and callous. if you don’t want my work JUST SAY NO. I can take it. Don’t be a dick.
Love, Michael
