A very good way to get the ego in line is to enter a competition and not win ANYTHING! Okay, I am through with my infantile blabber.Heh,heh. Yup, it is a bit damaging to the ego, but that is okay. I learned several lessons here. Don't necessarily follow the theme: the winners usually are following their bliss, and that is why they win. Also, if I ever make a torque type neckpiece again , I will not make it to fit me. One of my shoulders is higher than the other and a judge might think it unwearable. Another unwearable thingy.... don't send it with your homemade display.. (see above). Those things are not (repeat: are not) even close the human body shape.
The above work was made to the theme "Celebration"... I made it with my husband's and my birthstones and a quartz briolette for our new age spirituality. There are three diamonds that signify 'I Love You' and it is celebration of our 34th anniversary this last Monday. I tried to get a feeling of confetti flying and the excitement of our union. I think it worked. It is hinged in the back and there is a hidden gravity hook underneath the stone shield. I like to make things pretty from the back too. So I did some laborious finish work behind the shield. The metal flows in to the back of the stones.
I must admit, I had a lot of fun building this piece and thought I had a bit of a chance with this contest. It has been a few days since the 'news' was broadcast and I am so very okay with it all by now. There were great lessons to be learned and I share them below.
One thing I will do in the future is be proactive. I will find out about the jurors: Are they avant garde? Do they like contemporary jewelry? Do they have a penchant for small 'jewelry store' style baubles? What do they like? Then I will make something with their preferences while following my maker's dreams.
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Yeah, there's nothing like getting the old rejection letter. In a few days it becomes just a fleeting thought and then you say well, I can make something for me or for the judges, and both are valid.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you put it. The ego does bounce back nicely when the joy of creating takes over and you like what you have made.
Nice blog Lorrene!
Catherine Witherell/HappyDayArt!
Oh, I feel much better about not placing in the NAD now that I know I am in such high-class company! I love your necklace, and wish you a wonderful anniversary.
ReplyDeletePat Evans
Well, my experience also says that it will have it's day of glory in some other unimaginable place/contest in the future, with the added advantage that you will already have the exact piece that fits the theme and for a jury who feels the enthusiasm and love you put into the piece!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 34 - surely a celebration ! Here's some confetti thrown at you from France !
Angela