This is the first in a series of essays/interviews/words from some of the artists that participated in the first A Vision of Squam Art Show that took place in September 2009 at artstream gallery in Rochester, NH. This year the show will be hosted by the Sandwich Artisans Guild gallery.
- For information about the how to submit to the 2010 show, please go here.
- For information on registering for Squam Art Workshops in 2010, visit the SAW site and Elizabeth here.
And now, some words and images from Britt:
Brittany and her painting, Muse
After attending my first Squam Art Workshop a great opportunity arose: the call to submit art for a gallery showing highlighting artists who attended SAW. I had never done anything like that before, although I have always felt like if my art was hanging in a gallery, then I would feel like a “real artist.”
Brave by Brittany Soucy
I procrastinated as best as I could. Because if you are going to fulfill a lifelong dream, then you can’t be on top of it, you have to spend a lot of time mulling it over and feeling scared that you aren’t good enough. I did that as best I could. But then Liz emailed me again and gave me a little extra push and told me that they extended the deadline a bit. So I painted. I submitted the only things I painted. I didn’t have a bunch of art to choose from, but I was happy with myself for taking the risk.
And a few months later I had my art hanging in a gallery for the first time! It was a great experience for me. I learned the basics of submission and framing and what is expected from me as an artist. I got to attend the opening and a bunch of my girlfriends came and surprised me and we made a night of it. I would have felt complete and happy with the experience whether or not my work was actually purchased, so it was a bonus for me when I learned that one of my pieces sold.
This year I am planning on submitting work for the show again and feel some of the same worries: What if my work doesn’t make it into the show? Which pieces would be the most acceptable? Am I pretty enough? But I must cast aside such insecurities—I can’t pass up such a great opportunity! The call has come and I must answer. Wanna join me?
-Brittany Soucy
Thanks Britt for the honest, brave words, for your beautiful self, and for your wonderful art work, you are a true beauty, through and through.
You can visit Britt at her blog Whatever and Stuff, her web site Cottage Road Designs, and shop for art at her etsy site.
