Originally posted on 02-06-2015
An important part of being an artist is being able to talk about your work. Yes, we are visual people. We create images that are meant to be seen. Yes, some of us are bad with our words. Regardless, it is essential to be able to speak about your work and the works of other artists. More importantly, it is a great way to create a community of artists.
I love critiques. I never realized how much I would miss having them after graduate school. It is such an important part of the artistic practice to get outside feedback about your work. Someone who isn’t as close to the work as you are will see something you might be missing. It is essential to see how your work is being read. Not all feedback with be welcomed, warranted, or even correct, but it is a great way to gather information in moving forward in current projects as well as future ones.
I have recently joined a local artist community in my town. Every month, we have critiques where members and non-members can bring their recent work (and snacks) to get feedback from their fellow artists. It is totally different from an academic setting. Buzz words aren’t being used as often. Not everyone is on the same educational or artists level, but the same can be said about those viewing your work in galleries, coffee shops, or wherever. Therefore, you are getting a broad range of criticism. Everyone is friendly, because you’re not competing for a grade or a fellowship. It is a good way to meet people, find new opportunities, and to make a name for yourself within your artistic communities.
All in all, I can not say enough about the benefits of critiques. I highly encourage those who are not doing so to join an artists group, or invite some friends over and see what they think about your work. Add some wine and it can be a great evening for all!