Handling Rejection

Everyone knows that art is subjective so it goes without saying that there will be times that you submit pieces for a show and are not selected. I decided to create a weaving that symbolizes my handling of rejection. Nobody likes to get the email that says, “Not selected” or “Unfortunately”, over the past couple of months it seemed like I was getting ALOT of those emails. I received some acceptances too but it’s so much easier to wallow in rejection than in validation, isn’t it?

I decided to process the rejections into a new piece and started a branch weaving. The weaving is in blacks and blues and greys and starts with a gaping hole in the middle.

Beginning of a branch weaving with large aluminum wire opening and blue wool yarn.
Big gaping hole

Once the yarn weaving was complete, I printed out all of the rejection emails onto mulberry silk paper and made paper ribbons. I then wove those ribbons throughout the weaving. The word “Unfortunately” dangles from the top of the hole.

Close up of branch weaving titled Rejection that shows rejection letters turned into ribbons and woven throughout.
Close up of rejection letters woven in

I did not capture any images of it but I thought it was poetic that most of the ink ran together during my first attempt at creating the ribbons. It became a giant murky blob of rejection that all ran together. The second attempt I fused a linen paper that was more ink fast with the silk paper. I also created 2 little negativity spirals in the corners.

Close up of branch weaving titled Rejection depicting the negativity spiral experienced
Negativity Spiral of Text

The final piece includes ragged weaving ends exposed. I also took a razor to the soft blue yarn to make it messy and raw. My weaving was cathartic and hopefully sums up how others and not just I handle rejection.

Branch weaving titled Rejection in blacks, blues and gray with large gaping hole in middle and rejection letters woven throughout on paper ribbons.
Final Piece – “Rejection”

I submitted it for a Northwood’s show and can’t decide what would be the more ironic outcome. Having a piece on handling rejection accepted to the show or having it rejected so that I have additional fodder for the next piece!

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