shhh... it's a secret

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Yeah... so... that happened.

 
(Image Source)
 
Life sort of got the best of me last night, and I finally had a severe emotional breakdown. We're talking straight-out hyperventilating sobbing followed by an evening of spontaneous whimpering. You know, the kind that causes your lips and other extremities to go numb? You might not remember what I'm speaking of (unless you have kids). Most people go through this stage when they're seven, and they've just found out that their mom's not really coming home. But I digress.
     
Evidently factors in this ever joyful life of mine just happened to align just right yesterday to cause a complete and utter breakdown of epic proportions. I'm not about to point fingers, as many elements played a roll, but conversations like this one may or may not have contributed to the momentary disintegration of my sanity.

And a rejection email received not even a 24 hours after applying for a job may or may not have contributed as well. A rejection letter that may have alluded to the idea that my qualifications made me unsuitable for the position I applied for because, based on my resume, they wouldn't be able to provide me with the hours I was looking for. Thank god they pointed that out to me. I mean, what was I thinking? Applying to a Part Time Art Teaching position like that? Of all the cockamamie, hair-brained ideas... And wasn't it so nice of them to explain that they felt the position was really more suitable for a retired teacher or a stay-at-home mom? But of course, if I was still interested, I was welcome to check out their website for more information. Oh can I? Can I really? Fuckheads.

Anybitterness, something exciting did happen yesterday. If you look to the right, and scroll down just a bit, you might find an icon that looks like this:

The Sketchbook Project: 2011
You didn't scroll down, did you? That's okay. It'll be there for awhile in case you ever feel like looking for it in the future.

In an attempt to boost my dwindling spirits (which obviously didn't work), I decided to participate in this project. Here's a brief description of the project (and I do mean brief. If you want more info, click on that icon above)...
Thousands of sketchbooks will be exhibited at galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the country.

After the tour, all sketchbooks will enter into the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view.

Anyone - from anywhere in the world - can be a part of the project. To participate and have us send you a sketchbook that will go on tour, start by choosing a theme to the right.
Like I said, I decided to participate. I've never participated in anything on such a grand scale, and I haven't really had a chance to be artsy since last summer while at Grad School/Summer Boot Art Camp. I'm super excited, to say the least. I have until January 2011!! to finish my sketchbook and submit it to The Brooklyn Art Library. After that, the sketchbooks go on tour around the country (I know, right?) and the best part is, I can track when and where it's being checked out (yes, they can be checked out like in a real library) online. 

I'll definitely keep you all updated on dates and locations, you know, in case any of you want to venture to the show and check my sketchbook out. And for this of you who aren't in the touring areas, I'll be sure to upload my work for you all to see.

Aren't you all super psyched? Well, I am! Oh! And how can I forget? Each sketchbook is assigned a theme. You could choose your own theme or have own randomly assigned to you (which was slightly scary). Ready to hear my theme? Drum roll please.....

"Great Hopes and Massive Failures"

 It's almost like this theme was handcrafted just for me. Almost. I'm kind of having a hard time deciding what sorts of things to do with this theme (got any ideas), but that doesn't really dampen my excitement at all.

So, in conclusion, be on the lookout for updates, and if you have any brilliant ideas or suggestions or even stories to tell that fit my theme (who knows, maybe I'll use them), be sure to pass them along. And just out of curiosity, are you participating in any cool things in the near future? Know anyone who is doing this project as well?

11 comments:

Laura said...

Is that you in the picture above? If so ...OMG too adorable! Don't be too down on yourself, I have a breakdown every now in then. I think it's awesome you are doing the sketchbook project, I look forward to seeing your stuff. I am sooo uncreative it's awful, totally jealous.

Hope said...

You poor thing! I've had a few breakdown moments like that in my life. I hope you felt better when you got some of it out of your system!

I'd make a joke about myself and Great Hopes, but that's pretty egotistical, even for me. ;)

Krista said...

I am sorry to hear about your breakdown yesterday. I'm now wondering if that is why I was experiencing a massive migraine all day yesterday? :-)

Good luck with the sketchbook! Hope you share some of it with us.

P.S. Couldn't access the "conversation" link..... Is it just me?

Shelley Weber said...

I thought about the sketchbook thing when I saw Leanne post it, but I have no confidence in myself with those sort of things.
Its so cool that you are doing it though! It almost makes me want to change my mind and take a stab at it. Im interested to see what you come up with! If I get any ideas for you, I'll pass them on :)

April said...

@ Laura- Nope. Not me (but if you follow the link to the photo source, it just might break your heart). Thanks. I hope to rock this thing.

@ Hope- Thank you, and that's pretty funny.

@ Krista- Possibly. It's been rough, bottled-up times over here. And I fixed the link.

@ Shelley- Sketchbooks are about all I ever do know, creatively speaking (aside from grad school). I think it'll be interesting. (It's not like you're not currently expressing yourself in other creative ways, silly goose.)

Shelley Weber said...

I guess, I never thought about it like that. I do have a personal sketchbook all the time, but it is a sporadic thing at times. Sometimes I am very into it for a while, but sometimes it sits there rarely touched. Lately it has been sitting there mostly and I feel guilty... but you are right, I am working one other things a lot. Last time I was really into it, I was not inspired with the other stuff... I guess it depends on where my head is.
anyway... Im excited to see your stuff. And man, I have had many a breakdowns myself. They suck, but such is the way... and it seems to lift a load off afterward... for me anyway. I hope things start turning around for you soon!

Didactic Pirate said...

I love the sketchbook project idea. Do it do it do it do it. And keep us posted on how it goes, for sure.

This may sound cliche, but it really is pretty amazing how flexing your creative muscles and creating something can help lift your spirits. Go to it, OBG!

MeredithDuck said...

So sorry you're feeling down. Keep your head up - I know its hard. Things will work out for you in one way or another.

And the sketchbook? AWESOME. Now I'm sitting here debating on whether or now I should commit.... I've done three rounds of The Doodle Swap doodleswap.blogspot.org and love it - but my schedule is getting so busy I don't think I'll be able to take part in the next round. You should look into it though - you get little works of art to keep from people all around the world!

Twig said...

I'm pretty sure I'm going to spend an unimaginable amount of time reading all of your posts. I love your humor! Thanks for moseying over to my blog today. :)

Logical Libby said...

Eh, I think massive emotional breakdowns are good for the soul. It reminds you just how sane you are the rest of the time.

How about the Titanic? Or the Hindenberg?

April said...

@ DP- Will do, and cliche or not, I totally agree.

@ MDuck- Thanks for the encouragement. And for the tip. I'd never heard of doodleswap, so I'll be sure to check it out.

@ Twig- Thanks. It continues to amaze me that other people think I'm funny. Also, no probs, I've been a passive reader for awhile.

@ Logical Libby- They really are. Hmmm... I will take those into consideration. Thanks.

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