The Prospectus I printed out for a Fine Art Juried Exhibition, invited artists to submit pieces to a show featuring original works by some of Pennsylvania’s most talented artists. The guidelines for the show gave the artists guidelines on what art was eligible. The art was limited by size.

All submitted work must be no larger than 30” x 40”, including frame.

The artwork was limited by size.

Intake for the show was on a Wednesday several weeks ago. I had two pieces I was going to submit to the show but the art I made was 41 x44 inches. My art was too big.

Yes, I know, I could have read the eligibility requirements before I made my artwork. I could have made my art smaller to fit the requirements. But I made the art I wanted to make, and it was bigger.

I understand a gallery might have size limits, but this space was huge, with high ceilings.

The gallery wanted to exhibit art that was no larger than 30×40 inches, including frame. The art they wanted to show had to fit into a neat little box.

Art can be any size, create the art you want to make. Don't place limits on your imagination. Click To Tweet.

The danger of setting limits on what you create

Fitting your art into a specific size, will limit what you create, and can influence how you perceive what is acceptable.

Art must be flat, art must be square, on a canvas.

Create your art with no size restrictions. If you can’t find a gallery to show the work you create, make your own show. Rent a space.

Choose yourself, show your work.

What eligibility restrictions have you placed on yourself?

The size restriction on the Prospectus for the show made me think about the eligibility restrictions we place on ourselves.

We may limit what we try because someone told us, “You are not very good at that.” We limit more than just want we choose to draw or paint or sing. We might limit what we study in school because we don’t think we are good at math. We might limit who we are because of limits we place on ourselves.

We might never learn to swim,  go to the gym, or try something we have never tried before because we have a subconscious belief that we are don’t fit the guidelines.

Please re-write the Prospectus for your life. Please take off any eligibility requirements that limit who you are and who you can become.

Be you.

There are no restrictions on being yourself.

xo
Pamela

Do you limit what you create? Please let me know how you are doing. I love to hear from you. Click here to comment. HERE