Most application processes involve courage, determination and nervous energy. Hear how our two newest members, Hazel and Bobbie, navigated the experience with us.
Hazel Cilia
Upon first reviewing the application process to join Phoenix, I became anxious in anticipation of what was to come. I thought I, along with my folio of work, was going to be judged and critiqued in front of a formal panel. Fear and dread set in.
I then sifted through my catalogue of work wondering which pieces to select, which pieces would showcase my capabilities. Following that I visited the Phoenix ‘Wild’ exhibition at the Penny gallery, where I met a couple of the group’s members. This alleviated my fears a little as I was told it would be an informal interview process with all the other members.
The day arrived and I was met by Kate who I had been communicating with and had previously met at the exhibition, she was warm and friendly and welcomed me in. I also discovered that I was one of three possible candidates to be interviewed that day, so was not alone. This eased my nerves considerably.
We all sat around the table and in turn, along with the members of the group talked a little about ourselves and showed some of our work. A kind of ‘show and tell’ if you will. All in a very relaxed and informal way. This was followed by a lovely shared lunch as it was Christmas, where we chatted and got to learn more about each other. The whole day was far from what I had expected, everyone was welcoming, friendly and full of encouragement and made me feel at ease.
I left with feelings of joy, excitement and a little apprehension and feeling pleased with myself that I had decided not to turn around and go back home that day and to see it through. I didn’t have to wait long to find out if I had been successful, the following day I received an email inviting me to join the group. I was delighted. It was one of the best interview experiences I have encountered and would certainly recommend Phoenix Contemporary Textiles to anyone who wants to belong to a diverse group of likeminded, supportive, inspirational people with a passion for creativity in many forms.
Bobbie Frances
Applying for membership of any group can feel mildly terrifying – and as an artist, even more so. After all, your work is basically a sneak peek into your soul, and having it judged can feel uncomfortably close to having you judged. Cue visions of intense scrutiny and dramatic rejection. Not exactly a confidence booster.
So, it was a very pleasant surprise to discover that applying to the Phoenix Contemporary Textiles Group was anything but nerve-wracking.
Once the paperwork was done and my CV and images sent off, I was invited along to what I assumed would be a formal interview. I arrived ready for interrogation… only to find myself at a wonderfully informal ‘show and tell’.
And not my show and tell – everyone’s. There was no panel, no hierarchy, no awkward “us and them” divide. Instead, we all sat around a large table while each member introduced themselves and their work. The conversation flowed both ways, with potential members learning just as much about the group as the group learned about us.
The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. What stood out most was the strong sense of connection between members – a group of highly individual artists bound together by encouragement, curiosity, and a real interest in one another’s practice. This was all topped off rather splendidly by a fantastic Christmas buffet lunch, after which I left feeling I had a clear sense of how the group worked: diverse, supportive, and united by a shared passion for art in all its forms.
I was, of course, delighted to be offered a place and eagerly looked forward to our first meeting in January – a chance to get to know each other better and dive into some creative fun together.
So, to anyone considering applying to an exhibiting, collaborative, supportive, and artistically adventurous group: go for it. More often than not, the anxiety about applying is far worse than the process itself.