How to See Your Art From A Juror’s Perspective
When I was a professional artist it puzzled me how often there was a difference between what the galleries or my collectors chose and what I thought were my best works. Now, as a mentor for artists and curator of exhibitions, I can empathize with artists who have the same experiences. Being objective about your art isn’t an easy task.
In all the years I’ve been jurying exhibitions, it pains me to have to reject artists. And, most often the reasons why they aren’t selected has less to do with the quality of their art or their talent. Frequently, it is because they didn’t know how to evaluate which work of art would be best to submit. They were emotionally attached to their art and didn’t know how to place themselves in the position of the juror.
Maybe you can relate to at least one of the following instances.
“All I saw were the flaws”
One artist surprised me with, “I’m shocked you chose that painting for the show. All I saw were the flaws in it. I am a self-taught artist and I have very little confidence. This was the first show I entered. To be chosen means so much to me.” I told her, “I looked beyond the minor anatomical inaccuracies because the painting has so much emotion, fit the theme perfectly, and it was unlike anything else we received.” I encouraged her to exercise her confidence muscles and not to be so self-critical.
“I forgot to update my website”
Another artist who has been painting for more than 30 years and has been in previous exhibitions of mine told a mutual friend that she was confused about why she was rejected. I checked my notes to learn that during the curatorial process, I couldn’t get access to her website, and I had to eliminate her entry. She told me, “I had been so busy creating art that I forgot to update my website!” Even though, on the entry form it is stated that part of the jurying process includes visiting entrants’ websites.
“I was in a hurry”
An artist sent me an email demanding to know why I don’t like her art. The truth is, I’m actually one of her biggest fans, but the art she submitted had nothing to do with the theme of the exhibition. Furthermore, her accompanying statement had nothing to do with the art nor the theme! After receiving my email reply she confessed: “The truth is, I hadn’t given much thought to my entry or statement. I was in a hurry to enter on the last day.”
“Oops, I made a mistake”
I could list the many easily avoidable mistakes. They ignore important details and don’t follow the instructions. In addition to choosing art that isn’t appropriate for the theme of the exhibition, the errors may also be blurred or poorly cropped images, wrong size jpegs, incorrect grammar and spelling mistakes, wrong website listed on the form, etc.
“I almost didn’t enter”
Recently I was delighted to receive an email from an artist who wrote this: “Renee, I have been through a very difficult time personally and almost didn’t enter the show. I’m so glad I did. Being accepted and winning an Award of Excellence was the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It gives me hope.” Imagine what she would have missed if she didn’t submit her art.
Simple Solutions
Many years ago, I studied portraiture at The Art Student’s League, in NYC, NY. I can still picture the instructor standing behind us with his penetrating eyes fixed on our easels and studying every inch of our current painting or drawing. He then proceeded to give each of us a laser focused critique. A few comments from him made all the difference in the world. My teacher could see my art — flaws, strengths, and all — with objectivity and a professional perspective, based on his years of experience.
Some advice for you:
* Get professional unbiased feedback before you submit art to a jury, offer it for sale, or submit a proposal for a grant, exhibition or competition.
* Before you submit an application, ask someone who is detailed oriented and who has good writing skills, to examine it thoroughly.
* Avoid being in a hurry. Take your time. You and your art deserve the best attention you can provide.
* Refrain from using excuses such as, “Oops, I’m not technically savvy”. That’s unacceptable in most professional instances. Take time to learn how to prepare materials properly or get assistance from someone who knows how to do it.
* Consider the level of professionalism of other artists who will be entering the same competition and compare their career experience to yours to prepare yourself.
* After you submit an entry, periodically check your email in case the organizer is trying to contact you to confirm or obtain more information. That means also checking your trash folder.
* Don’t procrastinate. You increase the chances of making mistakes when you wait until the last minute.
* Take a risk! Enter your art to calls for artists that you believe are appropriate for you. And, if you aren’t accepted don’t give up!
You may also want to read this article Answers to “Why Wasn’t My Art Chosen?”.
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