I have to admit to suffering a small bout of Post Exhibition Blues. Not an uncommon ailment. In fact, in another role it is something for which I attempt to prepare exhibiting artists. All that work, that build up, that emotional investment... then... that's it... and you are not quite sure what happened.
A writer friend of mine once likened parenting a child to pulling your heart from your chest and letting it wander around on it's own (not quite her literary words but you get the gist). I feel similarly about exhibiting work. Exposed and vulnerable. And also open to judgement, good, bad, indifferent or 'don't get it'. Despite the fame-grabbers, in reality I don't think there are many people who enjoy this limelight.
Not that I'm complaining (oh my god I am so complaining!). There are many fantastic reasons to exhibit. Not least of all, to step back yourself and take a long, hard look at what you are doing and see how it stands up in a public domain. It's a risk and a challenge and a steep learning curve. And I do love to learn.So... good... but... phew, sometimes I make myself kind of pooped!
3 comments:
consider yourself lucky the post exhibition blues are not BLACKS.
the only true failure is the failure to try ...
This is all to common with most artists. It is nice to hear someone talk about it. I find the PEB doldrums eventually help with my eagerness towards the next project. I have posted a link on my blog to this post. I hope that is alright with you. Thanks for the good posts!
Feel lucky indeed they were not blacks Mate, just light blues and simply another aspect of the creative journey I feel strangely compelled to voice.
And thanks for the link Bridget! I am so pleased to be made aware of your work and your blog. I look forward to learning more from you in the future.
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