26
Man and Dog - Julie Ann Simpson
'Hope' is a thing with feathers - Melissa Ransom
Some thoughts on Selection
Around fifteen years ago, I made a small sculpture. I thought it was a nice piece and I set about applying for a place in one of our exhibitions. In those days we filled in forms on bits of paper and stuck our images onto the form with glue. The words “on-line, “upload” and “Cognito” had yet to reach us in the depths of our studios.
I managed to make the deadline for applications... just. I then set about thinking about the plinth I would create, and carefully wrote the dates in my diary (paper-based of course).
Six weeks later a letter arrived from the SSS. I opened it and there were the first words “I am sorry to inform you...”. My piece had been rejected. In line with SSS policy, no reasons were given. And me a newbie and everything! I remember clearly the disappointment, and ever ready to lose confidence I consigned the work to the “I was only kidding, this is a practice piece” shelf. Mothballed for many years the piece sat at the back of a shelf in my studio gathering dung beetles and wasps’ nests. Time passed. Years ticked by. Then, one day I was asked to contribute something to our local Art and Craft show in the village. These pieces are usually not for sale and are just a lovely way of celebrating the skills of residents.
Not having anything “in stock” at the time, I remembered The Reject sitting at the back of the shelf. Dusted down and polished, off it went to the show like Cinderella to the ball. And what do you know- somebody asked to buy it.
This little piece has now been to several exhibitions where editions were sold, and the Savill Garden chose it as the first Art in Residence this year- where it also sold. So the reason I am telling you this, is to say - don’t be discouraged if you get a rejection. I have no idea why my work was rejected but having been involved in several selection panels I think I can give you some clues.
Be Not Dismayed!
written by Andy Bendix