October 2023

Lately I have been thinking a lot about vulnerability and the incredible strength that is needed to share it, move through and forward from it. Putting yourself out there, applying for grants, publications, shows, opportunities, residencies, jobs, can all be a daunting prospect, but it is also the essence of what makes an artist's work so profound and relatable. Rejections, disappointments, and self-doubt are all part of the artist's path. Collectively, however, we also don’t like to think or talk about rejection and failures. It is much easier to share the good news, the awards, the successes. In a world that often values perfection and pretense, artists remind us of the beauty in imperfection, the strength in vulnerability, and the richness of authenticity. Artists provide a mirror to our own experiences, helping us explore the depths of our emotions and the complexity of our humanity. It takes courage to share our struggles.