I'm also a teacher, and I have found more interesting to ask to students about what the were trying to accomplish, and what they think about the piece they are doing. So it's their own n talking, their own thinking and decisions. Thanks for sharing.
I think that critiques are important to help learn the language of art, and also to build a bit of resilience as an artist. I think critiques were especially important to me early on to help me learn about the choices and the power of my materials, and especially the basics of composition. In my own art school experience I found the critiques were more often compliment sessions rather than useful feedback. I did learn that everyone has a difference tolerance for criticism.
I'm still learning — studying with different artists, through workshops and classes. When I'm in a learning activity, I like feedback about what I'm supposed to be learning. If I'm doing a particular exercise for a reason — to learn a specific skill, method, or technique — I want to know: Am I doing what I should be doing? Did I understand the task correctly? What should I change or practice more? Am I reinforcing something correct, or something wrong?
A few years ago, I took a course where a big part of it was learning how to ask for and give feedback. When asking for feedback, we were expected to include our own assessment of our work and what specifically we wanted feedback on. It was never just "please give feedback" and nothing else. The question had to be specific, and so did the answer.
So I really do think feedback is a wonderful tool when it's used well :)
I'm also a teacher, and I have found more interesting to ask to students about what the were trying to accomplish, and what they think about the piece they are doing. So it's their own n talking, their own thinking and decisions. Thanks for sharing.
I think that critiques are important to help learn the language of art, and also to build a bit of resilience as an artist. I think critiques were especially important to me early on to help me learn about the choices and the power of my materials, and especially the basics of composition. In my own art school experience I found the critiques were more often compliment sessions rather than useful feedback. I did learn that everyone has a difference tolerance for criticism.
Very thoughtful and well-written.
I'm still learning — studying with different artists, through workshops and classes. When I'm in a learning activity, I like feedback about what I'm supposed to be learning. If I'm doing a particular exercise for a reason — to learn a specific skill, method, or technique — I want to know: Am I doing what I should be doing? Did I understand the task correctly? What should I change or practice more? Am I reinforcing something correct, or something wrong?
A few years ago, I took a course where a big part of it was learning how to ask for and give feedback. When asking for feedback, we were expected to include our own assessment of our work and what specifically we wanted feedback on. It was never just "please give feedback" and nothing else. The question had to be specific, and so did the answer.
So I really do think feedback is a wonderful tool when it's used well :)
The work improves when the maker stops explaining it too early.