A Little Preview Of A Project I'm Working On, And How Imposter Syndrome Is Trying Hard To Sabotage It
This week I'm working on my portfolio for the Acadia National Park Artist In Residence application
Hiya!
This week I’m focused on finishing artwork – eight total plus at least one nature journal spread – to send with my application for a spot as an Artist In Residence in Acadia National Park next year. Most of my pieces will be pen and ink, but I’m planning to finish the two above in ink and wash.
I finalized my application narrative over the weekend, and am pretty excited about my project called “Expedition Of Wonder.” It includes making illustrations and nature journal pages from my experiences walking in the Park next year and a nature journal workshop for park visitors. I’ve also been on the 2024 exhibition schedule at the Northeast Harbor Library since 2022, and this project culminates in an art show and presentation at the end of the year!
Imposter syndrome is hitting me hard this morning, though, which is part of the reason I’m sharing this. I expect as I get nearer to the deadline (Friday!) I’m going to start talking myself out of applying. Silly, right? That’s imposter syndrome! For me, it shows up most of the time as an insidious, (un)reasonable voice that tries to talk me out of going for things I really want.
Here’s what it’s saying this morning as I work on my pieces:
There are only 4 spots and tens of thousands of applicants from real artists.
You haven’t been an established artist for very long.
Your work isn’t as good as those real artists.
You won’t finish in time.
Your project goals and objectives are silly.
Nobody will want to nature journal with you in the park.
And on and on. So here I am taking a moment to write to you so that I have a public declaration that I am going to finish this portfolio, upload it to the application site, and push the send button on Friday. You are my witness!
xoSusannah
It's so great you're applying--and sharing! A few years ago my motto for the year was "Think Bigger," and I applied for many things that would otherwise have seemed out of reach or that I would normally have talked myself out of, and had more success than expected. You'd be an amazing candidate for this. Good luck!
.. amen !