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.
Yeah Brittany!! As a proud owner of one of your originals, I must say you are most indeed a real artist!
Posted by: Swirly | April 19, 2010 at 08:10 AM
her work is so lovely! full of spirit and color!
Posted by: aimee | April 23, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Congrats Brittany! I have never had anything in a gallery either and feel all those same insecurities. Glad to hear your honest words and your work is absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Kristen | April 23, 2010 at 04:30 PM