I usually avoid entering into "contests" or such as I NEVER win. And, usually, it requires so many steps, emails, etc., that I don't find it worth the time or effort.
But, someone must have conked me over the head because I got the wild hair to try out for the Spellbinder's Explore Beyond contest.
To make a long story short, I leaped.....
.....but I didn't win. Didn't even get one of the honorable mentions.
And really, while I will admit to disappointment, I knew as soon as I saw the two finalist's picked for the mixed media category, that they would be the project's chosen to move on to the finals. Having been lucky to attend CHA (the Craft and Hobby Association showcase of all the latest and greatest crafting goodies in every medium imaginable) the last couple of years, I could see what trends were starting to take place and what "looks" companies were being drawn to in presenting their products. Those two finalist products were perfect in that area!!
So, why didn't I create the "look" I thought the company was looking for?
Here are my rambling, creative thoughts that I am going to share with you in regards to what I created.
My creative Mojo has been missing for MONTHS. I have had ideas, but no energy or desire to create them. I have been feeling overwhelmed with trying to create what I think others want to see. I have been overwhelmed with the over abundance of supplies that I have accumulated over the years, yet the pressure of using NEW product to gain looks was stifling. I did not want to purchase new product just to impress.
I have been trying to find or rediscover a medium that I can express myself in a creative manner that excites me. I took the title of the contest to heart. Explore Beyond. I wanted to be inspired and let the journey complete the project. I did not want to create the project for the journey. I decided that if I was going to leap and try for this contest, then I had to create what came from the heart. I could not allow the creativity to be what I thought the judge's expectations were.
This first project that I made (yes, I ended up finishing two!) was my way of expressing the above thoughts. The all white aspect symbolized the "expected". Though lovely in itself, it is what everything else is. The bright blue butterfly symbolizes what I hope to accomplish. Breaking away from the "expected" and not being afraid to be ME.
But, someone must have conked me over the head because I got the wild hair to try out for the Spellbinder's Explore Beyond contest.
To make a long story short, I leaped.....
.....but I didn't win. Didn't even get one of the honorable mentions.
And really, while I will admit to disappointment, I knew as soon as I saw the two finalist's picked for the mixed media category, that they would be the project's chosen to move on to the finals. Having been lucky to attend CHA (the Craft and Hobby Association showcase of all the latest and greatest crafting goodies in every medium imaginable) the last couple of years, I could see what trends were starting to take place and what "looks" companies were being drawn to in presenting their products. Those two finalist products were perfect in that area!!
So, why didn't I create the "look" I thought the company was looking for?
Here are my rambling, creative thoughts that I am going to share with you in regards to what I created.
My creative Mojo has been missing for MONTHS. I have had ideas, but no energy or desire to create them. I have been feeling overwhelmed with trying to create what I think others want to see. I have been overwhelmed with the over abundance of supplies that I have accumulated over the years, yet the pressure of using NEW product to gain looks was stifling. I did not want to purchase new product just to impress.
I have been trying to find or rediscover a medium that I can express myself in a creative manner that excites me. I took the title of the contest to heart. Explore Beyond. I wanted to be inspired and let the journey complete the project. I did not want to create the project for the journey. I decided that if I was going to leap and try for this contest, then I had to create what came from the heart. I could not allow the creativity to be what I thought the judge's expectations were.
This first project that I made (yes, I ended up finishing two!) was my way of expressing the above thoughts. The all white aspect symbolized the "expected". Though lovely in itself, it is what everything else is. The bright blue butterfly symbolizes what I hope to accomplish. Breaking away from the "expected" and not being afraid to be ME.
I will admit to one "fatal" mistake in submitting this canvas. I was beyond rushed with the holiday season and really, had no business taking the time to make this. I was having a HORRIBLE time in photographing this piece with the all white and the metallic butterfly. So I settled on the photograph that I submitted. It wasn't any of these photos, which I just re photographed. It was against a white background, too much natural sunlight and a bit washed out. Not that it would have made a difference, but the lesson learned was, if you are going to take the time to do something, DO IT RIGHT.
Even though this canvas didn't connect with the judges, I REALLY like it. I like what it symbolizes to me. And once I gain the energy and courage to face the mess my office/creative space has suffered, I will find a spot on the wall for it, to remind me of my ultimate goals in creating.
Later this week, I'll share the second project that I created for this contest. TOTALLY different look,LOL!!
'Till next time.....remember to ENJOY the creativity!!
11 comments:
You know, I hear designer after designer say, "I finally had a day to create just for me." I think you are on a winning track, Starla....we tend to turn everything into a product, or something we can market. But what if your art isn't "trendy" or "cutting edge". What if it is just something that makes your soul happy? I think that's closer to what it is all about.
And FYI...I think your canvas is gorgeous. All those yummy flowers...that had to have taken forever. Thanks for sharing it with me. Be true to you!
i can't even comment on this. i'm speechless. absolutely gorgeous and, in my opinion, you should have won. but i'm just an avid fan of yours.
sure, my craft room will be nice and organized and on the cheap too. my house on the other hand... i can't do as cheaply. so it'll stay neat but NOT really how i want it. oh well. maybe 2014.
happy, happy new year to you and yours.
hugs :)
Such a beautiful card! I love absolutely everything about it...and the blue butterfly is the perfect finish!!! Creating from the heart is always the best way to go, and only those with heart will recognise it most of the time...and that will surprise you and give you a bigger kick than any prize ever will. You have given me inspiration and that is a good thing!
Dot x
This is gorgeous, Starla! Good for you that you submitted something. Sorry you didn't win, though. But I am in total agreement that art should be from the heart. We are essentially sharing a piece of ourselves, which should make it unique and different. I do not want my art to be a carbon copy of someone else.
I'm so proud of you that you submitted your piece! At least you tried!! Don't be let down by not being chosen. We never know what judges are looking for and at the end of the day, it's still about who we are. In my book you are a winner for stepping out of the box and trying! And just so you know....I think this is beautiful!
Well, I don't know what the criteria was, but I LOVE this! And I love your statement: "I did not want to create the project for the journey." Good for you! This is why I don't think I'll ever do photography for a living, because I do it for ME. I don't want the pressure of creating something for someone else or second-guessing myself on what they may want. Your mojo is just fine! Relax and go with the process. :)
This is a gorgeous piece, Starla, and I know you enjoyed doing it. As for entering that goes without saying, every entry is a winner, even if your was not the one chosen! Art is totally subjective as you know, so on that day, yours was not what they needed. Keep trying as this piece is a winner and you are a winner because you tried! Hugs to you and wishes for a Happy New Year!
Your canvas is gorgeous!!!!
Starla,
I hope you get e-mail notification because I'm here from another post.
I so totally agree with your theory of art. Art is from the heart and if your heart is not in it .... So who cares if you win or not(although I get the disappointment. I think your canvas is beautiful and as long as you like it that is what counts.
Hello again... I followed the link from your eclectic Paperie canvas just out of curiosity and I'm so glad I did... I absolutely love this white on white beauty, and I really believe you have to follow your creative instincts not try to second guess what anyone's looking for. I think this is a complete triumph!
Alison x
I love the white...with the vibrant blue!
Post a Comment