but let’s face it, it’s part of life. I do my best to feel the sting of it and then let it go.
I received a bit of that sting yesterday when I learned that Woodwardia Wonder was rejected for an upcoming exhibit. I have been working on this piece since last December and I haven’t been able to share it here — one of the rules was that the work submitted for entry could not be published in any way before learning about acceptance or rejection for the exhibit. Now I can share it.
This quilt started with one of my favorite things to do — a sun print. Here it is, Setacolor Pernod yellow paint applied and fern frond firmly pinned in place.
Detail: that’s rice and rock salt scattered over the paint. Applique pins secure the tips of each leaf.
When dry, the fern, rice and salt are removed and the fabric is pressed with a hot iron. Now for the thread painting. I use a medium-weight tear-away stabilizer and copper-colored cotton thread to define the leaf clearly.
By mid-March I had completed the quilting. Here is the piece being blocked.
And then there are those beds to consider. Some pieces just yell “BEADS!” at me during the quilting process. I have to listen to that.
I bound and beaded it, then put the final touch on — metallic cooper paint defines the stem. The piece was completed and photographed by the end of March.
I’ll let you know the first time it has a public showing. Until then, I have another art quilt almost done.
Rejection is hard. Sometimes, however, it’s just because it doesn’t ‘fit’ on the day. I like it, and so will many more. 🙂
I love it and it could well be accepted for another exhibition. I love the red and green combination!
Oh sorry to hear this Franki! But you know what? This was an oponion of one particular (small) group of people. There are many more people who will LOVE your creativeness, your colour choices and the FMQ!!! And, as we live in a democracy: most votes win!
Esther
Thanks for the empathy Esther. I know this art quilt will have it’s time to shine somewhere. When it does, you’ll hear about it here.
It is very beautiful. Sorry to hear it wasn’t accepted. I just wonder what have been accepted if not this.
Thank you Gurli. I’ll be seeing the exhibit when I’m in Houston this year. I know that the exhibit will be fantastic.
I’m so happy I got to see it in progress, Franki. The stitching is insane–in a good way!! I know you are disappointed, but now you have this exquisite quilt.
I am very happy with this quilt. I met all my goals on it. I’m already over the rejection part and looking for other venues that I might present it to. It will have it’s day somewhere.
What do they know..? Want me to come and rough ’em up?
Nice offer, Dan, but no, not necessary. There are always more works to choose from than there is space to exhibit. I’ll have another chance, another day.
Beautiful, and loved seeing the process!!!
Thanks Maryann.
I agree with your approach to handling rejection. Miguel Ruiz (THE FOUR AGREEMENTS) would point out that most of the time, ‘it isn’t about you!’ If a person dwells on what IS about him/her, that person will be plenty busy already. Beautiful work, Franki. I look forward to seeing it installed and admired.
Thanks for the kudos. I’m not taking this personally at all.
It is a beautiful piece. The juror had envisioned a different direction for the show.. As the rest say it is not you or the piece. We have to remember that. There are many times I would like to ask a juror “why”. Look at all the authors stories of “rejection” and when they make it, it is a special “high”. This piece will be beautiful at the next showing…
Absolutely!
Oh Franki I am sorry to hear that. You are so talented and that was one of your very best and such a beautiful piece. Shame on them for not recognizing it’s wonderfulness. I know the next thing you do will be remarkable also. Keep on trucking! 😉
You bet I will! I’m not going to spend time whining about what didn’t happen. I need to spend that energy on making something happen.
Franki
Apart from the actual sunprint treatment I am in awe of your quilting skills. I agree with Sherry’s comment of “insane” in the nicest way!
I’m sure we will hear more about this striking quilt in the future.
Jurors can be so subjective
Thanks Maureen. I’m doing my best to be sure that you’ll hear more about this piece.