The Big Escapism Interview

Tomorrow is the big day.  At 1:30 p.m. I will log on to Skype and have my big interview for the Escapist Mentorship program.  The panelists are John Palmer, former Escapists and some of John's premier art collectors.

Four or five months ago when I decided to apply, I really had no expectations.  In my mind, hundreds were applying and I had a hard time believing I would stand out.  So I mailed my application on December 31st at 10:30am.  It was a Saturday, the post office was closing at noon and I had literally waited until the last minute to submit my artwork, essay and application.  I stood in line at the post office and said a silent prayer over my package, then I sort of put the whole thing out of my mind until I saw a few photos on Facebook.  I realized my application was there somewhere in Box A-G and freaked out a little.  And then last Friday at 2:14pm, I got the call. Actually, I missed the call because I was meeting with a client but when I checked the message an hour later, I got the best news I had had in some time.  It went a little something like this: "Hey Sonya, this is John Palmer....the jury for the Escapist Mentorship program did select your application for one of the finalists. Congratulations..."  I listened to it twice and then one more time.  I was at my studio by myself and I just could not believe it.  I almost started crying and then I called Ann and told her the good news.  I could hear myself saying the words, but was really just totally amazed and shocked.  

Being an artist can be hard, getting noticed, getting people to buy your work, finding places to show, etc., it can all be a bit overwhelming and there have been times when I've told myself that it just might not work out. This call last Friday reassured me that it's all worth it.  Even if I don't get chosen as one of the three Escapists for 2012, I know that I put myself out there and took a chance and that chance paid off.  I have a new found confidence in my work and myself as a person.  I resisted applying in the past out of fear but this year, my desire to be successful as an artist was bigger then my fear and look what happened!  

I encourage all of you out there to take a risk.  No matter what it is that you want, go for it.  I also encourage you all to send me good vibes tomorrow at 1:30!  Please and thank you.

 

Photo credit: John Palmer Art