Ask Art Slut~ How to Handle Rejection

Dear Art Slut,

My friend opened a gallery recently and I thought for sure, she would want to show my work. She’s seen it online. It sells well, but when I asked her, she said she was busy and the space is full. I felt blown off and it really hurt my feelings, especially because she’s my friend. I support her all the time and I expected she would do the same. I’m actually, kind of P.O.’d. So, do you have any advice for handling rejection, avoiding it, and/or how to handle the friend/business equation?

Thanks,

Broken hearted Photo-girl

Hey there, BHPG! Chin up, Buttercup! I think it’s really important that you try putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. For example, if she said she was busy & full, maybe she really is. Did you ask what her calendar of show was like? Also, did you treat her like you would any other gallery, by making an appointment (or at least, asking if she had the time), or did you assume you could just barge in, any old time, because you’re friends? We all make expectations of friends that can really put them/us in a spot.

As for the friendship question, I’d say get a good friend, by being one. That means, say what’s on your mind with kindness & ask her feelings or opinion on it (& REALLY listen). I’ve curated a lot of shows. I’ve also brought in some work I knew wasn’t a good fit in my gallery, because of politics or the fear of hurting someone’s feelings. That is not right & I no longer do it.

 If it turns out that she really just isn’t moved by the work, so what? Like it says in my book, opinions are like A-holes. Everybody’s got one & they’re entitled to it. I’ve even turned down work that I knew was good, because it didn’t move ME. I can’t sell it unless I feel it & my job is to sell it. That’s life. At the end of the day, if that was the dealio, she was doing you both a favor. If that is the case, try asking her how she thinks it could improve & consider her opinion for what it is: one opinion. You don’t have to take it, but you do have to thank her for it & for having the courage to be honest with you. I hope this little morsle full of my opinion has helped you, chica-sita.

For more funky fun insights like this one & better, check out my book, available right here, on this site, in our store. ‘Till next time, Live life creatively! Love ya, Babs

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