Weekly Art Practice #9

Contacting galleries and shops, dealing with rejection in a positive way.

Mar 09, 2024

Every Saturday I share my art practice over the past 7 days. I'm fascinated by artistic practice – it's not just about creating art but the entire process. From influences and ideas to materials and skills, each artist's unique approach shapes their work, making it more than just a finished piece.

In my recent post, I'm thrilled to share updates from my art practice journey and express gratitude for the support I've received. I reflect on the momentum I've built, including being accepted to a great website to sell my art from and receiving encouraging responses from various galleries and shops, despite facing rejections.

Thank you,

SLART

Thank you so much for joining me in my art practice this week.

I felt like I built up a bit of momentum last week with the emailing efforts.

Firstly, I’ve been accepted to www.artgallery.co.uk. I emailed them with examples of my work and the curator accepted them. I pay £50 per year and they take 35% of all sales and deal with taking payments.

I’ve been getting replies from galleries and shops, some have said to send work over and I have got some rejections, but we keep going…

My mind wants to ask “why, why, why?” but I just politely reply and move on.

I got a nice reply from Hauser & Wirth. I’ll keep hold of this.

Thanks H & W!

Writing a couple of days later after the above, I feel quite immune to rejection now, as at the back of my mind I keep saying “The perfect gallery representation will find me” as long as I keep on getting in touch with galleries. I might get a slight sinking feeling but I will catch myself and think “Well, they’re not the right gallery for me, right now”. It’s so freeing, I hope you can get a sense of what I am experiencing.

I got this reply and it hit home that my art isn’t a right fit for many galleries. And that’s ok! They’re not saying “Your work is shit, give up being an artist!”

I thought this one was nice, how she looks after a few artists so they are successful.

I also received these lovely replies:

There have been so many encouraging messages!

I spent a good amount of time preparing my PDF art portfolio for my website. I’m really happy with it! I may add prices at some point. Have a look if you like :-)

Hopefully, I’ll get some studio time next week, but I will continue contacting galleries. If you know of a gallery that might be a good fit, please feel free to share my CV and Portfolio. I’d be very grateful.

Thank you!

Have a good week!