A behind-the-scenes look at putting your art,
and yourself, out there

I just hit 'submit' on another grant application,
and my heart is racing.

This is not the first time I've put myself and my work up for critique. I've applied for residencies, exhibition & grant opportunities with this series.
So far, all declined.
But I won't give up, and nor should you if your experiences are similar.

The Questions That Cut Deep

There's a funny thing that happens when we share our work: it's the vulnerability of sharing what lies within the soul, and it puts into question those insidious calls of worthiness, enoughness and value.
Am I worthy of receiving this residency, grant, money, and the belief of others? Is my art worthy?
Is it skilful enough, clever enough? Is this expression in and of itself enough?

These are big questions that cut to the core of any artist.
And we need to develop resilience to pursue that which may not be as important to others.

This is where I gently & assertively share with others on similar journeys:

Yes, it's a rollercoaster ride, even for me, as I spout these assertions.

How Writing Clarifies

As artists, we often create without understanding what it's all for. I've joined numerous art groups and mentorships to answer this question. My findings: it's a moving landscape, and what happens when applying for these various supports is clarity of what's present 'in this now moment' within our work, and that's forever unfolding as we move on in time.

Writing about my 'Bridging Otherness' series forced me to articulate something I've been feeling and thinking for years. How do you explain that growing up as the only child among seven siblings, navigating between two homes, families, and cultures, taught you that difference isn't something to fear but something to celebrate? My life experiences, layered and varied, including the uncomfortable moments I traversed, gave me a greater capacity and interest in otherness.

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[Image above: Just a snippet of earlier studies that had to be made before my series was understood.]

As difficult as it is to describe our work, wrestling with those words brings its own clarity. If you can't do it alone, find someone who can help you ask the right questions. Your path to understanding your work will be completely your own, like a fingerprint; no two artists get there the same way.

A Sneak Peek (And Why I'm NERVOUS to Share)

I've been sitting on sharing for a while, and writing this has me second-guessing my decision to hold back. So here's a glimpse of my newest series, for those who've taken interest in where I'm going next. It's scary to share because ideas are often picked up and run with (copied consciously and unconsciously). I don't see that as a negative; I understand it as evolution. I hope to see my vision become reality before that happens, but I'm willing to risk it so others can learn from my experiences and grow beyond me.

'Bridging Otherness' is a series of tactile sculptures, abstract 'voice boards' that symbolise diverse perspectives in our society. Some boards sit side by side, others are stacked, creating metaphors for how our perspectives intersect and work together despite our differences.

But here's the thing about sharing work publicly while applying for funding: it's another layer of vulnerability, but it also builds legitimacy. Assessors can see you're not just dreaming, you're actively creating, sharing, putting yourself out there. It shows a commitment to the work that goes beyond just wanting money for it.

The Reality Behind the Dream

I wish to leave you with no illusion that this is easy, that timing is perfect, that the studio is perfect, that financial risks are none, that life/art balance is perfected.

The reality is:

My studio is my garage - cold in winter, hot in summer
I work multiple jobs to cover living expenses
Mortgage is a killer
It’s not easy making time for art, let alone prioritising it.
It's a battle to believe this is important (I know in my heart, but my head loves to challenge it), let alone convincing our partners who'd ideally love to see us creating but feel the pressures & necessities of making a living.
To art or to earn is a very real thing.
I continually work with all the same worthiness, enoughness and value doubts and challenges.

You may give up for a time, but find your way back... when you are ready. The art game is a long one, but it's beyond rewarding.

For My Fellow Creatives

The mentor you find is the mentor you needed at the time. And as you skill-up, pay it forward and be that mentor too for those behind you.

Whether applying for grants, residencies, or exhibitions:

Trust your instincts - about which opportunities align with your vision
Keep the brush moving - with every step toward understanding your work, you're moving in the right direction
Don't be fooled - that any one way or framework will get you there better than what your instincts pull you toward
Remember, rejection isn't personal - funding bodies have impossible choices

The more we search, the more we uncover and discover.

The Real Success

Showing up for the journey. The series has started, and I've dreamed up fantastic ways to share it! Hopefully, with some support, I'll refine it to the standard I'm proud to share. But even without funding, the clarity that comes from articulating your vision is invaluable.

More than that, there's something powerful about putting yourself out there, sharing your work, your story, your struggles. Each time we vulnerably share, we permit others to do the same. We break down the myth that we have to have it all figured out before we can call ourselves artists or apply for opportunities.

So if you've been sitting on an application, paralysed by perfectionism or fear…leap, share your work, even if it's not finished. Apply for that grant, even if you don't think you're ready. The worst thing that happens is a 'no,' but the best thing that happens is you discover your courage and clarity in the process.

What's your experience with applications?
Share your stories - both victories and valuable defeats.

BIG thankS

To those who continue to assist in my art journey, you know who you are.
ArtsPay, Linden New Art, & Kingston Arts for the opportunities they offer Artists.

THE VULNERABILITY OF APPLYING FOR FUNDING

A behind-the-scenes look at putting your art, and yourself, out there

I just hit 'submit' on another grant application, and my heart is racing.

This is not the first time I've put myself and my work up for critique. I've applied for residencies, exhibition & grant opportunities with this series. So far, all declined. But I won't give up, and nor should you if your experiences are similar.