I have no problem at all with the avant-garde, I just feel there should be a separate category to be fair to all.
Terrie, I understand the frustration of being excluded from an
opportunity that seemed suitable, because of preference for
avant-garde work, but this position might benefit from a bit more
exploration.
For generations, “craft” creators have fought to make the argument
that their creations span the entire spectrum from the humble item
of everyday use to the sublime work of art, and that they should not
be excluded from consideration as artists because the continuum
includes the practical. The argument about where the line is drawn
between “craft” and “art” continues, though collections such as
Metalsmith’s “Exhibition in Print” show that great progress has been
made. Without doubt, there are “jewelry” works that are clearly
intended to be worn, and others that could not possible be, but
somewhere between lies a vast gray area. A comparison might be drawn
with fashion once again-- for most of us, 4-inch stiletto heels are
not wearable. They are statements about fashion and its
implications. (And some people buy such objects as statements or–
dare one say it?-- as Art!) And yet, there are people who do wear
them. These same people might also wear jewelry pieces that are
impractical and all but unwearable, on the same occasions.
It doesn’t seem to me that we should be pushing to put back the
barriers between the ends of the spectrum, especially since it is
impossible to define the point at which the line is crossed. I don’t
think many of us would be content to let some arbitrary authority
make that decision! Now, we may each come to a conclusion that suits
us, but we are not imposing that on our colleagues. May it ever be
thus!
Anyone putting together a show gets to draw whatever lines they
choose, however arbitrary. That’s only right, it’s their show. I
would add that some organizers are less than ideally forthcoming,
presumably because they want to collect the maximum in jury fees and
to be able to boast a high rate of supplicants, uh, applicants. If
what is for sale is an opportunity, then caveat emptor! We vote with
our feet, or, in this case, our postage.
The system is less than perfect, but there is, in fact, room for
all, just not at every show. How often have any of us ever checked
out a show we didn’t get into, and said to ourselves, “Oh, yeah, OK,
I see why I didn’t get in. Everybody here is better than me!” Years
ago, at a professional seminar for artists, we were given a piece of
advice that has stayed with me when all the rest of the day’s input
is forgotten. The guy suggested that, as you (literally or
metaphorically) leave a show you were rejected from, you look around
and say to yourself, “I’ve been thrown out of better places than
this!”
–Noel