Friday, June 10, 2011

I Feel Faceless

Some of you will know that i have been looking for a job since last year ( longer actually as I have been struggling to pay the bills and am getting  nowhere fast- the earnings of a textile artist are meagre at the best of times and right now, as everyone knows, and are likewise feeling the effects of this economic downturn, is not the best of times) and I am feeling totally disheartened and frustrated at the moment. Before I left to exhibit and teach in Europe I had applied for a fellowship at the state Library.. The object of the fellowship is to  use the collection of the library in a substantive way. Quite by accident ( whilst googling for the Ned Kelly Jerilderie Letter) I stumbled upon the incredible Press Dress of Mrs Butters which is in the collection of the  state library. I was so impressed by the  ingenuity shown in  creating the fabric for this dress I thought wouldn't it be wonderful to create another such dress - using digital technology which is wonder of the first decade of the new century and to  create a dress celebrating one hundred years of women's rights by highlighting women who had contributed to the art and culture of the city of Melbourne over that 100 year period. Everyone I talked to about this idea thought it was  a great idea and  something I could bring off ( I also intended to make a catalogue to  showcase the women and the process)....... well guess what......... the idea got the thumbs down from the library........I didn't even get to the referee stage of this idea.

 I  am feeling so frustrated  because  with all the jobs I have applied for and there have been quite some- I haven't got to the interview stage once- I know I can sell an idea if I can talk about it- which I guess means I am not so good at writing proposals ( I have had my resume vetted by professionals and they all seem to think my resumes are fine, I have several for different areas of work). And I couldn't even get a volunteer job at the Geelong Gallery depsite having a Masters of Visual Art & Communication- do you need a Phd to volunteer now????

So I am feeling faceless- a bit like this sentinel portrait I am working on- I didn't realise I had forgotten to stencil in her eyes until I started sewing and thought something didn't look quite right. My other sentinels stayed in France for  Le festival de fil en fil en pays de Chabeuil, les 22,23 et 24 Juillet 2011It would be a real treat if one of them sold, because whilst I have been busy making  the big pieces very few little pieces got made to help things ticking over.


Thank you for your comments on the Jean Cocteau post. I loved seeing the chapel and his house and am so glad that you too enjoyed the little visit!

And i was quite surprised this morning when I checked visitor numbers to my blog ( I usually don't check when I am away) to find that I am 185  visitors off 350,000 visits. If only I could put those kind of stats in job applications! 

So thank you to everyone for your support and visits - it is much appreciated! And I will be keeping an eye on who will be the 350,000th visitor.

13 comments:

NeMe said...

Even though I read your blog every week, I've never commented on it. But maybe now's the time! I've been in your situation too. Don't lose heart, something will come up when you least expect it. Your works have always been an inspiration for me, so trust your talent! Best of luck!

Helmi said...

Here it is the same. I'am in the same situation because of the crises. Keep on the creatief talent and there is always hope.
Good luck, Helmi

Rachel said...

Writing proposals for creative projects is always the most difficult part. I think you just have to persevere and practise!

Maybe some other organisation would be interested in sponsoring that project - it sounds fascinating!

Linda B. said...

What is stopping you from putting the stats into a job proposal? If what you are submitting at the moment it must be worth sticking your neck out.

You have value and experience if it isn't currently obvious to potential employers then the risk of submitting something less conventional has to be worth it.

Shirley said...

Zit er toch niks anders op dan een hele rijke vent aan de haak te slaan ;-)

quilter501 said...

I recently remarried and moved to a new city thinking that I was at the top of my profession, and if I were persistent, I could find a new job within a year. Well, it has now been over four years and except for a few temporary jobs in my field, I haven't even had a bite in my direction. It seems the biggest obstacle is my age. Although I thought my top education and vast experience would be valued, in this economy it seems they are looking more for younger workers that they can pay less and then the quality will come from somewhere???????? It is very disheartening but I keep persisting. Just know you are not alone.

Vernon Sims - Editor said...

hvung spent 20 years couseking redundant workers, you may be scaring threm off by giving them too much info initially, gear your cover letter specifically to the posirion you are applying for and include one sentence with a strength you can offer that intriqures and is unique and indicate that yiu are seeking to commit for the longterm be truthful by all means but dont overwhekn them with information

Anonymous said...

I like your blog, thank you very much

orientation all in one

Lucas Kain said...

Perseverance, madam! Do not give up, for luck does not smile on those who do. Thank you for the great blog!

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Judy said...

Hi! Dijanne,

Long time since I've been here, cant believe your struggle to get a job, I'd have thought with all your talent people would knock on your door. I do hope this situation reverses in the near future, you have so much to give were ever you are employed. Very best of luck.

Dijanne Cevaal said...

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I do have a couple of different resumes for different situations and have even dumbed down some of my skills/experience( can you believe we would need to do that when we started out young and bright eyed?), but I do believe age has a lot to do with it.I will keep trying but I am also exploring lots of things I might be able to do with my business including making bookies- not big books but smaller more affordable books, and diversifying my workshops.

Vernon Sims - Editor said...

great ideas keep going i understand about ageism its one form of discrimination that hasnt been effwectively dealt with. another is disability my body is twisted abnormally due to disease and everyone assumes that i must be dumb and stupid as well you are extremely talenyed and i believe you will win out in the end

Robin said...

Perseverance, madam! Do not give up, for luck does not smile on those who do. Thank you for the great blog!

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