I have been reading this thread on the orchid forum with interest and some amusement – and indeed I’ve contributed to it. As with anything, it has been really interesting to see the different perspectives on even the IDEA of critiques. For some it seems its a non-issue, for some its an interesting idea, and for others its an affront. 
Personally – I love the idea of critiques. Maybe because I have personally seen the good that has come from them. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been a part of a network of artists who have critiqued each other’s jewelry, photos, and artists statements. I’ve seen people grow. Both from being on the receiving end AND from being on the giving end.
Receiving a critique can help provide a new or different perspective on something we’ve created but it also can help us learn how to deal with disappointments, what we might perceive as negative criticism, in a safe environment. For some people its a first step in just putting their work out there among their peers.
Giving a critique has helped me personally stop and think. I have had to slow down and really examine something instead of just flying by giving it a cursory glance. I’ve also had to consider each word and whether or not it was necessary to the critique at hand. I’ve grown personally by taking the time to give a critique.
Its not a perfect system, to critique on the net, giving a critique via photographs is not without challenges. But in essence that is what is done in jurying – ‘judging’ via digital media. Setting up an online critique group requires that we take into account the quality of the photos and differences in monitors etc. For those who are interested and game – that’s just part of the process and we agree to work within the limitations.
One particular critique has stuck in my mind. A fellow artist, perhaps a couple of years into her artform, began submitting work for critique. She was really open to the thoughts of others. And those viewing her work respected her efforts and the trust she placed in them and gave her some very beneficial feedback. One small suggestion was that she drop the drilled hole and jumpring bail she was using for many of her handcrafted pendants. It seemed like such a small comment and perhaps a ‘no-brainer’ for a lot of people, but it really opened her eyes and expanded her work. After that, her work really began to morph into a more polished and ‘complete’ representation of HER hands.
Someone mentioned working out design challenges on their own. I don’t deny that is a place all artists end up, but we don’t necessarily start out there, nor are critiques all about design. The network I am part of divides critiques into two sections:
- No improvement needed – what (you believe) works well or is done well in the piece, and why it fits or works.
- Suggested improvements – what seems ‘off’ and suggestions for what might work better or areas where artist may consider more practice or effort in perfecting a technique/design/finish
and then looking at:
- Design/composition
- Technique/execution
and of course we have other caveats under those categories. Etc ad nauseum.
Whether or not Orchid/Ganoksin adopts a critique format, I do encourage people to seek out critique either in a formal setting or by asking someone you respect. Many local guilds and groups offer a critique night of some sort and if there isn’t a group in your area – consider starting one! For those who aren’t interested, to each their own, no harm no foul, its certainly not for everyone. 🙂
~Janice
{ 5 comments }
janicefowler
Latest posts by janicefowler (see all)
- The value of critiques – extended - July 6, 2009
- Thank you Orchid! Ganoksin..Hanuman…et al - January 22, 2009
