Putting yourself out there...

I've never been one to want to be in the spotlight, so when a friend encouraged

me to submit a piece to The Sooke Fine Arts show, I hummed and hawed about it.

First of all I wasn't even sure if one of my pieces were what they were looking for.

Secondly, I honestly don't like rejection...but who does?

I make things because it's a thing I do.

I've always done it. I enjoy creating. Maybe it's a drive in me as well.

Anyway after a bit of heel dragging, I finished up a rather large piece and took it in on submission day.

I had to wait for a week for the results.

I've had work judged for entry into craft fairs, big and small but I've never

submitted to an actual 'art show'.

This particular one has over 1500 entries with 350 chosen for the show.

I figured I was up against some pretty stiff competition and again, wasn't 

sure if my needle felting was 'art show' caliber. 

Or if I really cared.

On the morning of the posted results, I made my way to the website and found

myself a bit nervous in anticipation.

Although I had told myself it was no big deal, I started to feel the pangs of 'being judged'.

Was it good enough?

The thing about art is that it's all very personal.

There's a lot of art out there that I don't get or like but it's out there for

someone else' taste.

When I create something, I do it because I know I will enjoy it and however

it turns out, the process gives me the thrill.

Sometimes the end result isn't quite what I expect but still brings me joy.

And gratitude to know that I've been given a precious gift to be able to create.

Well to make a long story longer....

I was ACCEPTED INTO THE SHOW!!

And there it was...a big deal to me...sort of...well I guess more of a giddy feeling.

Learning to put your work out there is something artists have been struggling with forever.

Did ancient man paint on cave walls because they were a bit shy?!

For me it's about telling stories.

Making characters come to life.

When I started to sell work years ago, my friend Irma (her amazing lamps are here) taught me a lot.

I've taken much of her advice with me throughout the years and am grateful for her experience.

She had been doing craft fairs for years before I met her and had

great ideas about pricing and presentation.

Still, when I sell a piece, I sell a little bit of myself along with it.

Anyway, "Market Day" is off to the land of art shows.

If you're in Sooke during the July 23rd - August 1st stop by and have a look.

It's the 25th anniversary of the show and there's some really spectacular work there.