art submission: embracing our differences

Open to Growth • Watercolor pencil • 12.8in x 8.8in • Carly Swenson • 2011

I don’t often post about my art competition and gallery submissions–primarily because A no. 1: I’m usually submitting work I’ve already created, (as opposed to something I did just for that specific entry). And B no. 2: In all honesty, being an artist comes with a lot of rejection, and unless something is accepted, I prefer to keep the majority of disappointment to myself.

However, today I am making an exception.  I recently completed my submission for Embracing Our Differences 2012. 

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I’ve also submitted works to this billboard-style outdoor exhibition the last two years.  My past works were declined, but I’m still proud of them.  I enjoy applying to this exhibition because I think the venue is delightfully unique and the theme is an interesting challenge.

With the theme embracing our differences–a lot of kitschy sort of images tend to come to mind (many different colored hands holding up the world, smiling flowers with the faces of children of various ethnicities, etc).  I like the challenge of attempting to capture this concept in an aesthetically appealing and thought-provoking way that doesn’t default to that style of stereotypical imagery that automatically comes to mind.

Embrace II, • Mixed media drawing • 12.8in x 8.8in • Carly Swenson • 2010

Embrace I • Colored pencil • 12.8in x 8.8in • Carly Swenson • 2009