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This is the body of work that I submitted to SAQA for my application to become Professional Artist Member. I was denied. I was told that even thought I had “strong work.” my portfolio was not cohesive.
I waited quite awhile before I made the application because I wanted to have a cohesive portfolio. In my artist statement, I said that a big part of my work is creating original cloth from which I create abstract landscapes. I don’t know how to be more cohesive than this. I am open to suggestions, but I will not go through this again.
I also waited to apply until I had fulfilled many of the suggestions for PAM membership — having a solo show, work in national juried shows, work shown in museums, etc. I think I had fulfilled just about all of them. There are many PAMs who did not have to go through this process. They could just pay the extra membership and become one. Now, there is a glut of PAMs and so they are being very selective.
So, I am feeling as if I had the wind knocked out of me. I will get over it, but I wish I had not put myself through this.
Note: I feel compelled to explain my title. I felt embarrassed because so many friends had told me I was a shoe in and I believed it.
hugs Gerrie! and you’re always a PAM in my book!!
Gerrie, I would have accepted you in a heartbeat. It’s all so subjective that it’s frightening.
Gerrie, when I looked at the pictures of what you submitted, I said “Holy cow! This is good work”. Thy did say it was strong work and I agree, but I also think it is very cohesive. It’s hard to believe that you were not accepted. Just hold your head up high and continue making great work.
Gerrie, even though it was not a pleasant experience, give yourself time to think about re-applying…if PAM membership is important to you, go for it again in time. Please don’t allow this disappointing experience to be the all and all for you…let it help make you not break you…but for now, I do wish we could share this bottle of Riesling I just opened and commiserate together. hangeth in!
Hi Gerri, I’ve been out of the loop for a while, in my attempt to cut down time at the computer. I found your non-acceptance for PAM membership to be a shock. In my book, you are one of the top artists in the organization. Keep on with the work you are doing. I’m glad you posted about this, as that will help in recovering from the shock. You ARE good enough to be a PAM, and are one, in my view. Hugs to you.
I’m so sorry to hear about this, Gerry. My art-school daughters tell me that if I can’t wallpaper a room with my rejected work than it means I’m not trying hard enough!
Hang in there, and once you get past the sting of it, step back and consider your next move.
I admire your work a great deal. The old joke in my shared studio space is, “Just Do The Work’. Keep on keepin on. I hope you will decide to submit your work for consideration again in the future. Sometimes a door shuts and a window opens. There may be a hidden opportunity here so don’t be too discouraged. We have all been in a similar position, trust me!
I have been quilting professionally for over 40 years. Have been in and out of many groups, co-ops, etc. Are you happy with your work? Then the heck with them. Are you making what you want!? Then go for it! I find that the more you love what you are doing, the more people want to see your things. Take this time to just make what you love, and things will happen, and fall into place. If you aren’t in this group, then find another or try again later. Just don’t wait for verification. Your work is great, and you are lucky enough to be making it!
Dear Gerrie, I love your work and your blog. I am so sorry to hear you were not accepted but I think the amount of support shown to you here should confirm to you that you are appreciated and admired by your fellow artists. Maybe this is a challenge to you – show them you can do it without them!! All the best. Nia
I’m sorry that you didn’t get accepted, but I won’t accept your embarrassment. Being a faithful follower of your work as well (as a follower of your sage advice), I do think this is a cohesive body of work. The SAQA judges may not be so familiar with your work though to see the growth and excitement that we do. It doesn’t make them bad, just not as knowledgeable in this aspect. And it doesn’t make your work bad either — just not necessarily what they were looking for. As Cindi said above, what matters is that YOU are proud of your work.
I seem to remember looking at PAM requirements when I joined SAQA about four years ago and seeing that it was juried (and passing on PAM status as there were a few other wickets I hadn’t passed through as well). I keep hearing that being a PAM is/was just a matter of paying extra, so they must have changed the rules for a while. And then changed them back, which may show that open status wasn’t working for whatever reason. Anyway, I think that we as women in general want and work towards things being inclusive and so we get offended when they are not. But I believe we as individuals should try not to take exclusions like this personally, and move on to the next step or phase. As time passes I’m confident that you will find the right association for you and your work, and I suspect there are still many benefits to be gotten from an Active membership with SAQA, or perhaps this is the signal to move to SDA exclusively if that is what you are benefitting most from.
In my own search for my artistic path I have been taking many wrong turns, but as they (and you) say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. It is all part of the process and you are still a valid artist. 🙂
I hate that you have had this experience. I have resisted the idea of applying for PAM because in truth I don’t like the idea of “levels of membership”. You should be a member period and then if you want to pay for more web space or pay for an ad in a book that is your choice. Artists are constantly being judged and evaluated and included and excluded and mostly by other artists. It’s not a good system.
As to your portfolio, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Your work IS cohesive and well conceived. Flip your skirt, go forth and let your light shine.
I share your pain. I got rejected a few months ago…they liked my work but I hadn’t been in enough national shows. I worked for weeks on getting the work posted to the site (sooo many computer frustrations) and actually had a panic attack for the first time in years the night before they met. That should have been my first clue that it wasn’t for me. Anyway, I decided to putter along at my own rate, walk my own path and see where it leads. I am currently working on the SAQA visioning project, and it makes me very happy. The show thing I will attack some day when my life isn’t so busy. The bummer of not getting in lasted a few weeks, but I’m over it.
Well. After realizing that SAQA is too narrow a group for me I chose not to renew my membership. I have not regretted this decision. I am interested in artistic venues that promote and foster creative ideas, techniques and mediums. This type of organization typically involves a variety of participants – from many socio-economic stratas, ethnic backgrounds, educational training and genders. SAQA has few, if any, of these attritubes. This doesn’t make them wrong or bad – just narrow in scope and reach.
Well that just plain sucks! I’m so sorry!!!! This is the first chance I’ve had to check on you today, and I’m so sorry. What are those judges thinking………I totally agree with what all 23 before me have said: just goes to show you what an elite group this has become. And why??? I love your work, I love your determination and your grit. Don’t let this get you down……..get back into the studio and make another one of your knockout quilts……….hell, make two!
Love you honey!
xo
I can’t believe you weren’t accepted. Your submission was extremely cohesive. Are they looking for cookie-cutter artists???? Or perhaps, only huge names???? I love your work and aspire to be even an iota as good as you some day.
I am shocked and saddened. Everyone before me has pretty much said what I felt/thought and said it well. Sending you hugs and I know that you will not let this organization define you as an artist or deflate your enthusiasm for creating outstanding art. Hugs.
Gerrie,
Sorry for your disappointment. I kind of respond the same way to rejection, and I have been experiencing a larger than usual share this year. Poohy!
I think your work is wonderful and cohesive! You will be a PAM in my book any day. My work was accepted for PAM, but it seemed less cohesive than yours, go figure…
And, I haven’t seen any benefits from being a PAM yet. I can’t afford to go to the conferences. I think I get a photo in the yearly Portfolio, but it has switched to digital now, and I was expecting the book when I joined as a PAM.
Hugs to you.
I wish I could give you a hug! Share the same sentiments expressed by so many above. @Michelle Riskovich said… “The only thing worth doing is that which you love… keeping doing what you love.” I so enjoy seeing your work. The process, the thought.
Do you remember our dinner conversation in San Francisco? Before the conference and especially since then, I have felt less represented by SAQA, and uncomfortable with the paths they are choosing to go down. I used to think that being a PAM was what I wanted, but I don’t think it’s useful to me know. Others have suggested pursuing fine art shows and galleries and I think they are right.
The only thing worth doing is that which you love…keeping doing what you love.
Gerry… I did not know your work before this facebook tag….and am not familiar with SAQA..not really being a quilter…I looked at your group of quilts and I think it is great…I would love to see what the SAQA thinks is cohesive… One never knows what mood judges are in when applications for any membership is submitted…Maybe they all needed to go to lunch and feel better….
Jan Navales Textiel designer.
I think your work is cohesive. I agree with all of the above comments (especially Connie Rose). Is it important to you to be a PAM? Is there another way for you to go that might bring you satisfaction?
I wanted to be a PAM last year. I was trying really hard to put together a show and work, but a few things fell through and I had to reconsider just how important it was to me. It turned out that I wanted a sense of belonging to the “art quilt” world, and once I recognized that I found that suddenly, it wasn’t quite so important. I may even drop my membership in SAQA because I don’t think it does anything for me and little for emerging artists who are expanding the concept of “quilt”.
Awww Gerrie, I am so sorry you did not get in. I am actually shocked. I decided a while ago that I was not ever going to bother to apply. I have been disillusioned about SAQA for some time now and dithered about even renewing my non-PAM membership. You should not be embarrassed. Your work is terrific and it defines who you are as an artist. I frankly do not see much benefit to it other than having it listed on my bio. They keep asking me for $$ donations but I have not seen anything in return. I think the organization has grown too big and become very political. There are other ways to get known in the art world and that is what you should be focusing on. The idea of having a cohesive body of work seems to me to be counter intuitive. The idea of growing as an artist should encompass experimentation and diversity. If SAQA wants one to churn out same looking stuff all the time then I will Never be a willing participant. Sure, some people have a recognizable style… all their stuff looks the same. I prefer more creativity. I love the pieces you create and am lucky to own one. You don’t need SAQA to be successful. Actually, SAQA really needs us but their vision is turned inward and not outward. I suspect that in a few years they will self destruct because of all their limitations and exclusiveness. Hugs.
Oh Gerrie, I’m rather astonished to hear this…but not really surprised, given my recent thinking about jurying and judges. I agree with everything said above. And I think your work is cohesive and original and inspiring. Unfortunately, the outcome of your experience has added more fuel to my growing sense of elitism right here in the Art Quilt world. Poop!
Just keep doing what you love and inspiring the rest of us. That’s what this is all about, anyway.
XO
Wow, Gerrie, I can’t believe this. If *you* don’t make the cut, what chance does *anyone* realistically have?
I love your work and I am very proud to own one of your FFAC postcards.
I’m sorry Gerrie. So often in my life when something like this happens another opportunity presents itself, usually quite unexpectedly. Keep your eye out – I’m sure it’s just around the corner.
I am so sorry for your disappointment! I love your work and think you have a very clear point of veiw and defined style. What is not cohesive about your work?
I have been VERY disappointed in SAQA since I joined last year. I have tried to provide info on where I am showing, but none of my info was ever on their calendars. I have volunteered to help with different things, but never received a reply. Seems the only time I hear from SAQA is when there is a monetary need. Maybe they have enough members, maybe I am not the type of artist/quilter they want. I have decided not to renew my membership. I am getting plenty of support from the AQS and other local outlets. Life is too short, and my work too important to me to waste any more time on this organization.
I know that’s a huge disappointment and a blow to the goal you set, but don’t let it define who you are as an artist. You do great work, and like you said, you’ve already been doing the “requirements” – national shows, etc. Let your art speak for itself…it doesn’t need “letters” – PAM – to be accepted as excellent work.
I personally walked away from a juried membership of 2 years in a well known arts association because I found out things about the management of the organization that I just could not abide with. I was very involved there and was even the chair of their exhibitions committee… I was worried that the “loss of status” would hurt my artistic path, but I’ve been busier than ever, including more sales and more teaching opportunities.
Hold your head up and keep doing what you do so well! This is just a pebble in the path. 🙂
Gerrie, don’t let it get you down – you will be stronger from this experience. The main goal is that YOU believe in your work. As long as you believe in yourself and your craft, others will too. The subjectiveness of judging by these types of associations can be questionable at best. Maybe someone was just having a bad day, or didn’t like the color blue this week. Who knows. “Cohesive” is highly overrated and ridiculously overused as an excuse in my book. Cohesive means unified or tied-in. If all of your artwork were “cohesive” it would be boring. You like to experiment and grow. Good for you!
What you do know is that your work has been judged and accepted by the mainstream, your work is admired and appreciated, and you enjoy your craft. We’re proud of you!
Gerrie,
Sorry to hear about this mis-judgment. I agree with the other commenters on the clear cohesion of your work and think Mary Manahan is absolutely right too: it is their loss!
Regina, SXM
Oh Gerrie, I am so sorry….I don’t believe the term “not cohesive” fits what you have shown above. This does seem rather strange; I think your work is wonderful.
I’m sorry you didn’t get in. I agree–your work looks very cohesive. Who knows what’s going on in the judges’ heads. What matters is your vision. You have a lot of fans, Gerrie…
Sharon
HI Gerrie,
Yes judging is very subjective–not sure what their criteria is or what else they consider. (For instance do they also look at your web site?) Keep telling yourself their loss is your gain and take the negative feelings which are going to be there and use the energy–hard as it may be– to move on. Grrr. It is much better to be rejected–we all are rejected–because if you weren’t rejected it would mean that you weren’t trying.
Good luck.
I’m sorry for you. Are the contributions of non-professional members are only there to help with professional artists, one may ask. It seems that the circle seems quite limited and closed competitions also!
I can’t believe it! Surely this is a very cohesive body of work… I’m very sorry for you and hope you will manage to put this behind you soon.
Unbelievable…..this is part of the Quilt Art world I don’t miss. It is their loss, Gerrie.
gerrie… i am shocked that you didn’t get in… do you know the names of the judges? if so if the judges change next year why don’t you try again? kathie b. is right judging is so subjective. and you yourself know how difficult it is to judge. your work is stellar. really. it will get in eventually. its really disappointing, i know. this is the part that is so hard about being an artist…
oh gerrie big hugs – i too was rejected the other day – my fourth rejection in a row. i have been juried into a few shows and have quilts travelling in europe in 2 exhibitions so i know that sometimes i can clear the bar. it’s so hard not to take it personally – i always do but am getting better at feeling hurt then moving on. your work is just stunning and inspiring – i certainly can’t see any lack of cohesion.maybe given the glut they felt they had to say something and ‘lack of cohesion’ is a pretty nebulous bit of feedback.
hope you feel better soon
Oh Gerrie–so sorry that you have had this distressing thing happen! Judging is so very subjective…and ‘cohesiveness’ is surely in the eye of the beholder. I think I would be very angry about this if I were you. Shouldn’t SAQA be about supporting its members AND the quilting arts? It seems that this process is more divisive than constructive, especially when it was wide open up until recently. Wish I were closer to Portland; I’d be over at your house in a flash, with a nice bottle of wine in hand for commiseration purposes.