Ouch! what was I thinking? I just delivered the art for an upcoming gallery show and somewhere en route felt all my previous joy and self-confidence drain away. What if no one "gets" these pieces? What if no one likes the work? What if the whole point in working for a year on one obscure subject is lost in translation? I must confess that I feel as if I will be standing naked in front of a whole lot of people...or worse: in front of no one.
But then my adult voice rises and reassures my child that I enjoyed every minute of the work; that I loved the research involved in diving into the topic at hand; and that the challenge of collaborating with a poet and a friend was marvelous. So what? Who cares?
I care.
This angst is not unique....we all share it at some time or another. Anytime you put your heart and soul into your work and then go before the public/boss/judge/parent/teacher figure it is very painful. I just wanted to be certain that readers who do not paint realize that making art is not all "fun and relaxation." And I want fellow artists who "have been there, done that" to send me those vibes of good will reminding me, as always, I will survive and be stronger for it!
Join us Friday, September 2
77 Ruffin Street, Linville, NC
for the opening of
THE STONES SPEAK
a collaborative show of poetry and art featuring the work of
Fay Picardi and Cindy Michaud
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
the exhibit will hang thoughout the month
Chin up, Cindy. Your work is beautiful and speaks for itself. I know full well the feelings that come with rejection, the let down when you've worked so hard to paint just the right thing, the right way, and it flops. I'm still standing....and painting too. Good thoughts are with you for your success....:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol - I am breathing in your words and lifting my chin already!
ReplyDeleteI got a little lump in my throat reading your blog. I understand. You have the courage to put yourself out there, and share your gifts with the world, to allow yourself to be seen. That is a gift you give to yourself and all of us. Thank you, and good luck. You will do great! And have fun. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's well-known among my friends that an hour before any show opens I am wishing to be any place else on the planet. I've even expressed the hope that no one would notice if I didn't show up to my own opening. The art-making emotional rollercoaster doesn't slow down, so I try to remember to breathe. Screaming on the downhills can be helpful, too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of 'screaming on the downhills'; will do Sherrie, sounds theraputic! And I appreciate the paradim Elaine, if it doesn' kill me I will be stronger for it. deep breath...
ReplyDeleteOh, the pain of self-doubt! It strikes us all. I have been wallowing in it lately, so I completely relate to what you're feeling. Yes, it is the naked audition, but you are going to have fun and do well, I just know it.
ReplyDeleteThank you all, I survived and I think I actually had a good, maybe great, time! Update to follow...but starting with the cloak of your communal support helped a lot while striping in public!!
ReplyDeleteYou and your work are equally stunning. The show opening was delightful, and your very unique and creative display is such a breath of fresh air. I hope by now you have released the inner beast of angst. Don't you just loathe pre-show jitters?! You rock (not pun intended)!
ReplyDeleteCheers!