Over the past few weeks I have had the honor to serve as one of the “Jurors of Selection” for the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) International Web Show.
This means that I was asked along with two other artists – Jacob Aguair and Brenda Boylan (look them up, they are awesome btw…) to review and select the final images that would be included in this show. I was thrilled to be asked. It is kind of like seeing Christmas gifts early… But there were 1700 entries.
1700.
Lets think about that number for a minute. I knew that was a lot of paintings to review, but I had never served as a juror of a show with that many pieces wanting to be accepted. I naively thought that I could go over all the images while I rode the MegaBus to New York a few weeks ago so I could see the PSA show and do a demo there. No problem, right? After all, I had an 8-hour ride. After the first 3 hours, I had only just barely gotten through a third of the paintings with no more than a quick glance. Wow – 1700 paintings are a lot of images to flash by your eyes.
Which brings me to my main point. How does a painting stand out from this many entries? The final count to be included in the show was to be around 160 paintings. Just getting a rough idea of the images submitted on the first pass was turning into a monumental task.
When I was at the PSA New York show a few weekends ago, I was lucky enough to sit beside Spanish artist, Reuben Adorna Belloso. If you are not familiar with his work, he is worth checking out. http://rubenbelloso.blogspot.com
As we were sitting in the gallery waiting for dinner, we naturally got to talking about the show. One piece after another was stunning. And there were many more entries than 1700 that had been submitted to that show. Reuben asked me what I thought about the pieces in the gallery as a whole.
“I think they all have one thing in common” I answered.
“What?” he asked.
“They all smack you in the face when you look at them, and once you realized the image now has your attention, it can then whisper to your heart.”
And that is what I found with the paintings that finally got through the three of us Selection Jurors to the final group of images in the IAPS Web Show. The entries were all subjects and styles. They were all handled so very differently. (although I have to say I have never seen so many tree paintings in my life). But the ones that made us stop and take a closer look got a “yes” vote. The paintings that had all received 3 votes from each of us made it into the show. Then, we had to do some serious negotiating and debate about the other ones. I found that part fun and invigorating too. I love seeing what an artist has to share through their work. But if the painting was painted “nicely” but didn’t have much to say or reach out and slap us in the face, chances are it didn’t get in. Because we didn’t get a chance to hear it whisper after that. Too much competition.
Artists always say to me that they want in this show or that, and I always ask them why… I think a novel has to be written before it can be read. And a painting is no different. Find your story first – hone it, edit it, before you worry about getting it in front of others. Once you have something to say, then share it.
The pieces we selected – 162 of them – then went on the another Juror of Awards. I am glad I was not doing that job. Then I would have had to figure out which paintings smacked me the hardest.
What a great blog you write Christine. I look forward to each and everyone….
And thanks for putting my piece in that prestigious 162 category. It was a huge honor.
I was glad to do that! Congrats to you….
Really great summation and observation of the experience Christine! That is absolutely the way it feels when going through so many. Back in the day, I was stunned to know that images where you could see the edge of the slide or frame were the first to go. I understand the weed out process now. It’s not to say soft, understated paintings get thrown under the bus, but those folks have to tell a strong story that makes you look twice. It’s so hard now that online entry has replaced all that slide hullabaloo. The sheer number of entries has increased and great works of art have lots of company. I like what you had to say here. I’m glad my painting whispered to your heart :). Thank you.
HI! your paintings have that whisper naturally. Because you are ultra-cool! Glad it got through the tough face-smacking round.
As one of the submitting artists not accepted, this is an extremely helpful article. It is how I judge the shows I am asked to do. Though I had thought my entries DID that..smack the viewer in the face, then whisper to them, evidently they did not smack hard enough! At least not as hard as the other 90%. No worries, I will think harder next time, and paint better. To be one of the less than 10% of the total being accepted is a high honor indeed, especially from you three stellar artists. Thank you so much for posting this Christine.
HI Barbara- sorry about not being in this show. If it makes you feel any better, I got rejected last time around! 🙂
Excellent info and love how you always write “informative” pieces that come right smack dab from your heart!
yep! When I write I feel like it just pours out….
Interesting article, Christine! You’ve given insight to the juror’s process and point of view. Must keep the advice about “face smackers” in mind next time I submit to a competition.
yes! yes! submit the face-smackers!
This is a great thing for artists to keep in mind – “They all smack you in the face when you look at them, and once you realize the image now has your attention, it can then whisper to your heart”. Well said!
thanks! It just came to me when I was sitting there surrounded by so much amazing work.
You know what is really helpful to me in this article is that you not only tell us what way we should be approaching these subjects, ( Smack in the face!) , but that we should not feel pressure to enter them in shows. You are amazing, Christine, and so willing to share your insight. Thanks.
thanks! I just tell it like I see it….:)
Great article, Christine. I am honored that my painting was chosen!
congrats!!!
Was hoping mine were face smakers too. … I thought they had tons of emotion. ..but doesn’t it have to do with a cohesive show as well ?
I have to say in this case since it was an online show, we were not that concerned about “unity” on the walls since there were no walls. In the case of pieces hanging on walls in a gallery, yes, that is a bigger concern.
Thank you, Christine! An interesting article about an extremely difficult job. I am honored to be in this time, and especially grateful after reading this.
🙂
Hi Christine
Enjoyed reading this blog as it resonates with so many artists I would like to share it on the PANZ page if that is okay. I am new to jurying/judging and understand how difficult it is, 1700 entries wow! I was fortunate to get in again, so appreciate the acknowledgement. Sorry we wont get to meet at IAP’s next year would have enjoyed meeting you. 🙂
hi Julie. I would have enjoyed a chat with you as well. Yes, please share!
Wise wise words, Christine! Very eloquently put!
thanks!!!! 🙂
Love the imagery of “smack you in the face, then whisper”
I love when a piece evokes that feeling…1700..geez! Saw the FB photo of your table at the PSA dinner.. Ruben’s is also an unbelievable painter, humble and young, pretty unusual! Jacob Aguiar too! Took a workshop with him 2years ago..would love to take a workshop with you some day!
I am announcing workshops next week- a few here in Pittsburgh.