One of the hardest things for an artists to receive is rejection from a gallery. Too many artists sit at home and never step out into the Artworld because of this. But rejection happens to us all. And there are often sound business reasons as to why a rejection occurs. It might be a style or subject overlap with an artist already on their books, it could be a poor fit between the overall style of artwork and gallery, or pricing issues: a high end Mayfair gallery won't likely show paintings which sell for 2-3k, their overheads are too great. So there are a number of reasons why rejection may occur.
From a personal point of view I always tend to put myself in a gallery director's shoes. They are always having to turn artists away. Is that a hard job? I would say so. But there are enlightened directors out there who reject with a certain panache. That's to say they leave the artist intact and optimistic, not shredded by rejection. Or at least this is their aim. Ultimately it's down to the individual as to how he or she responds to rejection.
So I have had my fair share of rejection over the years; in fact I've been rejected by some of the very best galleries London has to offer! But when this happens I always look to walk out stronger than when I went in. Is this a case of rose tinted spectacles? Not at all.
Know this: the artworld is smaller than you think and every contact matters.
As I see it, the key is to make the transaction bearable for the director doing the rejecting. This can pay serious dividend down the line. That's to say you take it professionally, not personally. You listen to the criticism - if you choose to (this is by no means obligatory!). You take on board that which can serve you, and disregard the rest; and you look to move forward in some way with the gallery owner.
Know this: it important is to leave the gallery director on good terms.
As I've said, and will say again, the artworld is smaller than you may think. Conduct yourself with a degree of decorum and the gallery director will thank you for it. And he'll remember you if and when you decide to return!
Always make it easy for a director to reject you. I don't mean don't fight tooth and nail for your place. I always stand and hussle for what I want. But do it respectfully. And when it is clear there will be no way forward with the director, this is the moment to regroup, show your professionalism, and begin looking for an alternative glory before exiting the door. There are other glories to be had!
Know this: just because a gallery rejects you today, it doesn't mean they won't be willing to look at your new work someways down the line.
I've often found that by persisting in making a connection with a director, by generating a mutual respect, directors offer me things even after they've rejected me and expected me too be long gone. Why? simply because I persisted in being attentive and grateful for their time and feedback - all this while staring in the face of rejection. Taking rejection with a smile shows a strength of character which the director can only admire.
Whenever I receive a rejection I rarely exit the door without a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. And that lightens the burden on the long journey home. It can be an offer to return in six months. To keep sending over your publicity material. It can be a mini education in the practices of the artworld. There's always something.
So embrace your rejections for what they are, often simply an act of good business sense on behalf of the director, and most certainly nothing personal. Always look to keep your bridges open, as you never know when you'll be back down that neck of the woods again!!
There a few successful people in the world who've got to be where they are without a vast list of previous rejections. So take heart. Failure equals growth (ignore this at your peril). So go out and fail at something today, you'll be twice the person if you take something positive away in the process.
Know this: we can't help but feel a little low after a rejection, but in a relatively short time, with a little reframing and understanding, these feelings will soon subside. Then regroup and push on.
No comments:
Post a Comment