An Artist's Story: In The Face of Rejection

Courage to Continue

They say, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” I’ve held onto these words during some of the hardest moments of my journey. As an artist and Milan Mastery Program Graduate, the path has been anything but predictable—yet it’s also where the magic of persistence has revealed itself.

A few years ago, I stood in the middle of my booth at a prestigious art show in Korea. After two years of rejection, I had finally made it in. I poured my heart into preparing, bringing my best work, and traveling to a country where I didn’t even speak the language.

But after five long days of standing there, watching people admire my art yet walk away without buying, I came home empty-handed—not a single piece sold.

I remember the silence that greeted me when I returned. It was the kind of silence that makes you question everything: Is this dream even meant for me? Was all this effort worth it? The doubt was overwhelming.

But as I came back home, one of the pieces sold to a collector from not very far from my hometown. She connected in a divine way, making me feel as if this journey was important for me and for the work.

And then, there was this whisper inside me—a quiet but steady voice that said, “Keep going. You’re closer than you think. Don’t you think this is a sign?”

And so, I did.

The following year, I went back to Dubai for another show. This time, something shifted. I sold several paintings, connected with collectors, and felt my dream inching closer to reality.

Success Leads to Another Success

Slowly, one small success led to another—a show in Delhi, another in Mumbai, I sold originals and landed a couple of commissions. And then, I started noticing that something extraordinary was happening.

Just before a big show or important moments, I started selling pieces unexpectedly for the right amount to keep funding my journey, as if the universe was nudging me forward, reminding me to keep believing. Now I could see that my art was funding my art business, and even if I wasn’t making money, at least I was able to pay for my dream with my creations.

Now, as I reflect, I see that persistence wasn’t just something I practiced—it became my compass. It led me through every storm and toward the breakthrough moments I longed for. The reality show The Outstanding Artist was one such moment. Participating in it opened doors and allowed people to connect with my story. But even before that, it was the years of showing up, the countless times I rose after falling, that shaped me.

"A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Those words hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of the beauty of this journey. The moments when you doubt yourself are just as important as the ones when the world starts to notice you. Every stumble, every tear, every leap of faith adds depth to your story.

Today, as I stand in this season of consistent sales and international gallery representations, I cherish not just the success but the path that brought me here. It’s a reminder that the magic lies not in arriving but in continuing, even when the road feels endless.

And now I recently participated in a gallery show in Montana, USA, where I exhibited with my mentor and my mentee. Isn’t that amazing?

So, if you’re feeling lost or discouraged, I hope you’ll trust in the quiet whispers of your own journey. Keep going. The love you pour into your art, into your dreams, will find its way back to you in the most beautiful and unexpected ways.

Ritika Aurora 

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