I wonder how everyone feels on the subject of recognition.
On my screenwriting course, we were taught that the desire for it (eg being believed, seen, recognised, successful) is one of the 8 major themes that can motivate the character of a movie (or life!).
We are often so wary of being 'big headed' or blowing our own trumpets - ironically that is what most blogs are really about - however I think for most artists or creators it is as important as getting paid - to have someone desire your work, to receive feedback, to watch someone's face as they receive a commission you have made for them... these are all things that I like and find most fulfilling about my creative work in whatever form.
It has its light and its dark, yet I suppose the root is about being received and accepted by others.
Yet I also feel quite awkward about it - I cringe at getting too much attention, have a fear of bragging. It is messily caught up in the areas of advertising, self promotion and exposure. I secretly love and desire to be recognised within a work context, but constantly worry about the scale of it and the context in which it is done. Does anyone else?
This week it was lovely to receive recognition in the form of having one of my bags featured on anothers' blog in her UK craft roundup - thanks, Talie. I was genuinely thrilled when the email came through.
On the other end of things I was also delighted to hear that 'Perfect Sense', a film I worked on in 2009, will receive it's premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this Monday. Very exciting.
While this was a much larger project I played a small part in (creating graphics for action and set dressing), I can think of no better place than Sundance for David to show his film and have it received.
I hope it does really well! I have a feeling it will, as it has a unique and moving storyline. Watch out for it, I can't wait.
wow caireen, this looks like a powerful film. will definatley look out for it.
..and about recognition, really interesting. i have shyed away from this too but sometimes at my own detriment as i have not allowed myself to celebrate my achievements and have even belittled them perhaps. we must keep it all in balance but i am now feeling that to celebrate our achievements whatever they may be is healthy and helps us to move on with fuller energy. So be proud & thrilled for having your beautiful bag included and enjoy the recognition!
sending you lots of love and wishing you a wonderful weekend xx
Posted by: sweetmyrtle | January 21, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Hello :-)
Yes certainly be proud that your beautiful bag was chosen. I know exactly what you mean about being awkward with self promotion and attention. I don't do my self any favours on that front ;-)
Hope the film does well,
Talie
x
Posted by: Talie | January 23, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Good news Caireen. There's no feeling like it when having made something that you are proud of, than when someone else acknowledges/appreciates it - even pays money for it! Never been a huge fan of blatant self-promotionists personally and I cringe for those who are, when they don't - cringe! Who's right and who's wrong?
Well done with your involvement in the movie. Was that Wilson Street in Glasgow that Ewan McGregor was cycling along? Recognise Peckhams and the "Jacobean Corsetry" shop (was the Glasgow Necropolis in there too?). BB
Posted by: Bella bheag | January 23, 2011 at 08:46 PM
Well done C, for having your clutter bucket chosen. It's not easy to blow our own trumpets, is it? I am very shy about anything I create, always wondering if it's up to scratch. In the back of my head I keep thinking I'll open a wee online shop and try and sell my work...and then the doubt creeps in.
I think Ginny is right - we should be proud of our achievements, and not so quick to judge ourselves.
Great post, thank you for sharing.
Diana x
Posted by: Pebbledash | January 25, 2011 at 08:28 PM