I braved the relentlessly pouring rain today in order to enter this years Derby Open competition. It seems that for the last 3 years I've always had to take work in wrapped in plastic bin liners to protect it from the wonderful weather.
It seemed quite busy with a constant stream of people whilst I was there.
It is always really interesting to see artist scurry in on a submission day, lovingly and protectively carrying their work and putting themselves in a bizarre situation of judgement, rejection or failure. I don't know why we do it really, I don't know why I do it. I don't enjoy the experience. I t certainly isn't for the chance of winning some money, I'd get better odds on the lottery.
It must be to gain some acceptance, some recognition for the hard work and maybe even justification for the path I have chosen. I know that if my work is rejected, sorry, not accepted then I will be bitterly dissapointed despite the knowledge that there are so many fantastic artists out there and just 3 judges choosing work to fit a criteria that they alone are aware of.
Most people you speak to will say "don't take it to heart if you don't get chosen" , but I wonder if anyone really doesn't take it to heart, is it possible? if so, why would they enter the competition in the first place?
I know that the next rejection letter, be it Derby or another. (and I know there will be many others) I will take it on the chin, be gracious and outwardly positive about the whole situation to the point of nonchalance. But bubbling inside will be a rage and fury about the injustice of it all and as usual I will ask myself, why? why put myself through this. And as I always do, the only answer I will be able to come up with is "Because it's what I do"
