A long hard think - future plans

Today I found out that I didn't make the next stage of the Lilla Rogers Global Talent Search. This is just one competition but it mattered to me; however looking at the fabulous work that was chosen I realise that they all sit together so well and any could be represented by Lilla Rogers. Ultimately that's what it's all about! Lilla's agency has a look and feel very special and unique to it. 



© Gabriella Buckingham

These are just a few of the entries: 








I have never seen Sdrana or Chris's work - and I love both these pieces... something seems to prevent me from making work that stylish - YET. 

It's brilliant to see the wonderful Monika Fosberg, Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Victoria Johnson whom I featured in Friday Finds in amongst them!! Congratulations! Many friends did reach the semi finals this morning :) Malu Lenzi and Lucy Banaji and Bee Brown - and many more. Equally there was fabulous work that didn't make it. There were only 50 slots and 999 entrants.



© Gabriella Buckingham

Looking at my looser paintings like the poppy artwork above, a recent work and this blue and red collage canvas there's so much more I can develop.


© Gabriella Buckingham

I think this one comes closest to the way I should be working as an illustrator which is probably why it's on the front page of my illustration website. But then there's the graphic work I do - line and texture.. do I have too many styles? Or perhaps it's just a case of distillation of all of them and more thought. Practice, practice, practice is what comes to mind - intense work. I need to pick a way of working and go for it.

It needs analysing. I can see that my entry looks too - too what? Unimaginative perhaps, too stiff, too realistic? too one dimensional, too bright in colour? - I don't know what it is exactly - too something! Not quirky enough. One of the frustrating things about competitions is that there is no chance of individual feedback and being totally objective about your own work is a challenge; but it is essential.

It's all too easy to criticise ones own work, but it has to be constructive. There's a lot to love but already I can see that the composition could ideally have been better.. I've discovered that in trying to make it a print! It makes a great postcard though so I'll get on with producing those! So all in all - though I felt upset this morning it's actually all good. I know I am capable of better.

It's funny how something like this makes thoughts pop up into your head and the feeling that you need to take radical action. I need more time more focus.  Moobaacluck - my hand painted gifts and stationery business is demanding and about to be more so during the Christmas season. I am taking courses. I am trying to promote other artists with Friday Finds. I have a child about to start high school and another in different primary school. I am also committed to going to Surtex next Spring. Something has to give.

I need to spend time with my family, friends and make as much art as I possibly can and less time on the internet. I have two more great Friday Finds lined up to show you - this week and next. Then I will need to take a break from that for a while at least - much as I really love to promote other artists. I have to be less fractured in output.

Disappointment can show you what really matters to you.

Comments

  1. This post really resonates with me (even the bit about a child starting high school ha ha). I feel my (very traditional) fine art degree and the taste levels that were instilled in me at that time, get in the way of what I really want to do. I know it's something I have to break through but I'm risk averse so it doesn't happen easily. Interestingly, I was also thinking in terms of 'a print', again that traditional background :D

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    1. lol Nancy :)) I am clearly v traditional as I can't see anything odd in thinking in terms of a print ! Thank you so much for understanding and empathising; yes it's very hard to let go of the more traditional approach - also I do love a good paint! I feel some abstract scribble experiments coming on.

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  2. Oh Gabriella! I'm a genuine fan of your sweet palette and artsy pieces. You are an inspiration with your talent and your lovely business of joy and cuteness. You're preparing to go to Surtex 2015. This is huge! You are so brave! And agreed: sometimes we do need to focus in what matters. Can't wait to hear about your next steps. Hugs!

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  3. Hello Malu - yes brave or foolhardy :) we shall see. Thank you for your support and lovely words - i notice you are always there for me and it's really appreciated. Masses of luck with next round - your piece was outstanding. Plus I love a rabbit.

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  4. Really resonated with your post and I think it's always hard to figure out the road to success, especially for an artist because there is no formula... so many different types of work are successes - which is a good thing, right?! You said you exactly when you pointed out that the top 50 are great for Lilla... for her style. It doesn't mean that people who didn't make the list wouldn't be commercial successes elsewhere! I think we are all finding our own paths... good luck with all that you do and it's fabulous that you have found so much insight in this experience either way!

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  5. This is a great post and totally sums up the journey for so many artists. We experience highs and lows constantly and yet we must keep going. I too have a daughter and try to juggle it all...I remember Kelly Rae Roberts mention that she was not accepted to Lilla's agency (she was gutted at the time) and she is now hugely successful (and they are great friends) so I think we have to stay in the place that everything works out just as it's supposed to and we are all on our journey. I love your paintings and I thought your piece was great. We'll keep cheering each other on!

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    1. Thank you Clare - so lovely of you to comment. Definitely - the Facebook groups have been fantastic :)

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  6. well, i like what u submitted; and its close to the other TOP 50. u were on the right track, so it may just come down to execution (composition, type, media... )
    but, i do like your 'blue and red' artwork above. i would concentrate on that 'on trend style'. ( make lots more art in this illo. style.) i think that would sell for you.
    best,
    gina

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  7. Thank you Gina! that's very encouraging, I think there's a long way to go with that blue and red style work - really appreciate you sharing your thoughts x

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  8. I really like your terrainium, and bar the one by Chris Lensch, none of the others appeal to me - but that is my taste. If you would permit me to say about yours - the spool of thread is distracting for me, my eye goes straight to it rather than the jar, as is the different lettering, but I adore the wee one peeking in, that is a sweet image. It's could even inspire me to a poem, so thanks for that. Good luck with your next steps, I also like that blue canvas (but then I'm a blue kind of girl). Kind regards.

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  9. Theresa thank you so much for the comments about my piece - I see your point! I may revisit this and work on it digitally removing the cotton reel and text just to see what that looks like. I hope you write your poem - let me know if you do! x

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  10. hello again Gabriella. In world record time (for me) I have written the poem and blogged it http://thepoetryofscraps.blogspot.com/2014/08/autumn-is-in-air.html
    I have linked to your blog. As I haven't blogged for a while I might not get many visitors, but I know some people come by, and hopefully they will pop over to you as well. Again thanks for the spark, and best wishes. Kind regards.

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  11. I have just been over to read your poem - I missed your comment until now! How brilliant :) Thank you

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