What is the purpose of a critique? Which particular critique conversation so far was most helpful, useful, or constructive for you as an artist? How did it inform or speak to what you do as an artist? Please describe.

           The purpose of a critique is to evaluate and analyze someone’s work in order to help them grow in their own practice.  They are meant to be helpful assessments. The most helpful critique I have had was during my senior proposal presentation. In presentation, I was given a lot of feedback on how to improve my current work with specific direction and area to improve in. I was also given opportunities by the professors on the panel to join their classes that were directed in the direction my work is heading into.

What critique session was most challenging for you so far? What about the conversation challenged you? Please describe.

The most challenging critique I had was the in-class critiques with both students, professors, and guest artist.  That was the most challenging of critiques for it was more focused on the formalities of the work verse the conceptual side of the pieces. It was problematic for I often view my work more conceptually and process- based. Nevertheless, I guess that was good though to focus on the formalities…

What is the role of the artist and the role of the viewer in the critique? How do you feel in these roles? What is the most meaningful viewing experience you’ve had so far this semester? Please describe.

The artist is supposed to be more in control and be capable of guiding the conversation in order to gain useful feedback from the viewer, that can be used to push the work on further.

Do you think you were generous to your classmates in the critiques so far? Why or why not? What do you think would help you to be more involved and engaged in the conversation?

I do not think I was so generous to my classmates. I could have spoken up some more or kept my mouth shut during some critiques. I think what will engage me more in a conversation during a critique is if it is interesting to me, if I am feeling well, or if I am feeling comfortable speaking up, for speaking up is very difficult for me.

What does it mean to you to make art in a community? How does artwork made by other artists affect what you do as an artist? How can you take better advantage of the built in art community you have at Biola?

What is the purpose of a critique?

The purpose of a critique to give critical and constructive feedback on a work of art. This to insure that the artist is pushing in the right direction (making it stronger).

Which particular critique conversation so far was most helpful, useful, or constructive for you as an artist? How did it inform or speak to what you do as an artist?

I think my second critique was the most helpful to me. I had a lot of experimentation happening and I didn’t have a clear direction. The critique helped me push my concept until I limited my ideas to two directions, and eventually one. The critique helped me contemplate my work more and ultimately lead me to do more research. The research helped me realize how important vocabulary is when speaking about you work and how important it is to use correct vocabulary when articulate your ideas.

What is the role of the artist and the role of the viewer in the critique? How do you feel in these roles?

The role of an artist is to create visually engaging work that talks about an issue. This issue can be personal or very evident in everyday life. The viewer's role is to contemplate the concept (or issue) and discuss whether or not the visual representation of this concept is working. Obviously everyone is different, and not everyone may be able to pick up the meaning behind the work. That being said, hiding the meaning could be intentional. I feel fine about these roles, it is what it is. I think that the artist should make and the viewers should engage the artist’s work.

What is the most meaningful viewing experience you’ve had so far this semester?

The most meaningful viewing experience this semester would have to seeing devins gallery show. I think her concept was very interesting and her art was amazing. The systematic approach that lead to organic and random (colorful) stains on fabric was aesthetically and mentally stimulating.

Do you think you were generous to your classmates in the critiques so far? Why or why not?

I’m don’t speak up much in critiques, I feel that others adequately ask the questions that are important. That being said, when I do speak it is to give critical and helpful feedback. I do not like to speak just for the sake of saying something. However, I do try and stay engaged in their work and I do actively questioning the work to give feedback if needed.

What do you think would help you to be more involved and engaged in the conversation?

Although I don’t speak much in critiques i do stay actively involved. Like I mentioned earlier, I actually question the work and try to ask the right questions when needed. I’m not sure if there is anything else that would engage me more in a conversation.

What does it mean to you to make art in a community? How does artwork made by other artists affect what you do as an artist?

I enjoy making art in an art community. Feedback is always welcomed and a second opinion on your work is never too far away. Seeing other students work also encourages me to push my own. I can have a conversation with them and that conversation can somehow help me push my own ideas. It is overall a very constructive environment that I enjoy.

How can you take better advantage of the built in art community you have at Biola?

I think that the purpose of a critique is to have your own work critically observed and evaluated by others with different opinions and points of view. Once that is done, the artist should reflect on how their work was perceived in order to better accomplish their goals and improve their work. For me, the most helpful conversation that I have had about my work so far was during my second critique with the class. At that point I still had a very rough idea about what my work was going to be, and I was extremely uninterested in everything that I was making. During the critique the conversation started moving so far away from anything that I was interested in doing, so it was at this point that I realized I needed to step back from all the big, far-fetched ideas that I had been concerned about, and just go back to the basics and make the art that I was actually interested in.

I think that my second class critique was also the most challenging. It was difficult for me to see the work that I had made and to hear people critically responding to it because I was so unhappy with how the piece turned out. It was also hard for me at this point to figure out whether or not I wanted to continue with where the work was going and try to improve what I already had, or if I wanted to scrap everything and go in a completely new direction. I chose the latter which ended up being very helpful.

The role of the artist during a critique is to be completely open and receptive to what the viewer has to say. They do not have to apply or try every suggestion, but it is important for them to listen to and engage with the viewer. Likewise, the viewer’s role during a critique is to be completely open and honest about how they are responding to the work. They should take the time to seriously consider and form opinions on what they are seeing. That way they will be able to address any questions or concerns that they have for the artist. I feel fairly comfortable in these roles. I would probably prefer the role of the artist more than the viewer because I feel that I rarely have anything helpful to add to the conversation as a viewer.

I probably would not say that I was generous to my classmates in the critiques. I was thoughtful and attentive, but generally everything that I would have said was mentioned by someone else. I think that having smaller critiques would help me to be more involved in the conversation.

1. What is the purpose of a critique? Which particular critique conversation so far was most helpful, useful, or constructive for you as an artist? How did it inform or speak to what you do as an artist? Please describe. - A critique is a looking at the current work of an artist and giving them feedback. I found the six-small works to be helpful for me. I didn’t know what I was going to do for my show so this helped me narrow down my previous practices. As an artist, I love hearing feedback and having my work talked about, so critiques are always helpful and beneficial for me.

2. What critique session was most challenging for you so far? What about the conversation challenged you? Please describe. - My last critique was hard, but also was good. I got different feedback because there were so many different opinions on how my work was being read. It challenged me because I had to pick apart the conversations and decide what feedback was going to help me move forward with my work, there were so much to listen to! It was also a good critique because my work gets activated when discussed by the viewer, so even if the feedback is all over the board my art is still successful in my eyes.

3. What is the role of the artist and the role of the viewer in the critique? How do you feel in these roles? What is the most meaningful viewing experience you’ve had so far, this semester? Please describe. - The role of the artist is to listen and be open to what people say about the work. The role of the viewer is to provide useful feedback/advice/opinion to help the viewer move forward with the work. As artist, I feel comfortable, although I do feel exposed at times. As viewer, I don’t do so well. I have a hard time saying my thoughts or feeling like what I say is important. A meaningful viewing experience for me was Kira’s critique. She had lost of art to look at and even experience. It allowed for many different people to speak up, have opinions, and express those opinions.

4. Do you think you were generous to your classmates in the critiques so far? Why or why not? What do you think would help you to be more involved and engaged in the conversation? - No, I probably could have talked more. I was quiet sometimes, mostly because I honestly didn’t know what to say. I am better one on one with the artist. Talking in front of everyone else I can’t come up with meaningful feedback, but once the critique is over I have much to say.

What is the purpose of a critique? Which particular critique conversation so far was most helpful, useful, or constructive for you as an artist? How did it inform or speak to what you do as an artist? Please describe. 

The purpose of a critique is to get informed as to what’s working and what’s not working in your art.  The first crit of the 6 works was really helpful because I could get an honest first impression of the work and Alex’s comment about longing blew my mind.  In the second crit, it was fascinating to see multiple profs dealing with my work at the same time and each one having a very different opinion.  Anderson said that’s a good thing to have people disagree about your work.  Through all this, I’ve realized that the audience response is really formative to the work itself as I’m more concerned with formal qualities and exploration.  But knowing that people are getting things out of my work that are incredibly relevant to me is amazing.

What critique session was most challenging for you so far? What about the conversation challenged you? Please describe. 

Joe playing devil’s advocate in the second crit was pretty challenging but not at all disheartening because its Joe and I get where he’s coming from.  I was so glad Dan was there because he knows the most about my work out of anyone, and it was really encouraging to hear him defend it.  And again, its fascinating to hear multiple people’s discourse about it.  I thought during the crit that I didn’t have any answers for Joe and that I didn’t have to talk much at all, but progressing in the work more, I’ve realized that I could have defended myself too and that I now have answers to his questions.

What is the role of the artist and the role of the viewer in the critique? How do you feel in these roles? What is the most meaningful viewing experience you’ve had so far this semester? Please describe.  

The role of the artist is to ask questions and to direct the conversation if they want.  The role of the viewer is the listen and to look and to give advice or their thoughts if they deem it important.  Sometimes I feel very uncomfortable in both roles.  I like just hearing what others have to say, but when I was able to really direct one of my advance studio practicum crits, that became the best crit I’ve ever had.  Its too easy for me to get complacent and to just listen though.

Do you think you were generous to your classmates in the critiques so far? Why or why not? What do you think would help you to be more involved and engaged in the conversation?  

It takes a while for me to process something, especially art, and especially when I’m not as familiar with the work and especially in front of a lot of people.  I’m more helpful in small groups when I’ve had a lot of time with the work.  When I have something I really want to say to someone, I’ll tell them later in a smaller setting.

What does it mean to you to make art in a community? How does artwork made by other artists affect what you do as an artist? How can you take better advantage of the built in art community you have at Biola?  

1. What is the purpose of a critique? Which particular critique conversation so far was most helpful, useful, or constructive for you as an artist? How did it inform or speak to what you do as an artist? Please describe.        For me, there are several central components that I look for in a critique about my work. First, I want to hear a gut reaction to my work from those viewing it. I look for how they react and interact with the pieces. This gives me a good, initial, idea of whether or not I am conveying what I want to convey. It also helps me to see potential implications of the work that I didn’t see myself. The second thing that I want in a critique is thoughtful feedback about how I could push the work farther. Hopefully, a critique will include thoughtful artists who have studied different things than I have. This provides a great collaborate conceptual arena to learn from others. Because these components are important to me, I try to give these types of feedback to others showing their work.

       The critiques that helped me the most in my Senior Seminar class were the small group studio crits. This was an extremely valuable time where I could hear my peers’ individual opinions on my work and practice. In the class critiques, I think that we are not totally confident in what we have to say about another person’s work in front of such a large group. However, in these small critiques, we have time to hear more depth about the other artists’ work and respond without fear of sounding unintelligent. Since I was not in the other small groups, I cannot say what specific elements made my group so helpful comparatively. However, my group helped me define what it was that is important to me in my work. They also honestly (without judgement or dismissing my talents all together) what wasn’t working. This was helpful for me specifically, because I knew that those in my group cared about my success. They helped me see that the “janky” parts of my practice wasn’t working and suggested social practice.

2. What critique session was most challenging for you so far? What about the conversation challenged you? Please describe.      The beginning of the 6 Small Works critique was challenging for me. I do not claim to know the minds of the people around me as no one can ever truly understand what anyone else is thinking. From the initial comments being made about my work in this critique, it seemed as though those speaking were not giving my work proper respect. The thoughts that I receive in critiques are often reflections on how I am not a worthy designer. In my opinion, there should be negative feedback on work in a critique. But this should be for the purpose of helping the artist improve. Yet I often perceive an attitude from other designers toward my work that says, “give up because you failed in these ways.” I appreciate when others tell me my weaknesses, but only when it is not out of malice. Again, I may be misinterpreting how my classmates feel about my work. Unfortunately, without my prompting them, other students have come to me and noted how “weird” the feedback is in my critiques. In this crit, a few students began by giving all of the reasons why they didn’t think my work was art. Thankfully, my professor stepped in and changed the mood of the crit. There was also a critique of another student’s that was difficult for me simply because of the subject matter. I found myself unable to even face the work because of my past experience with that topic. The work also offered me kindness and was not yelling at me, but was rather inviting me to come and consider it.

3. What is the role of the artist and the role of the viewer in the critique? How do you feel in these roles? What is the most meaningful viewing experience you’ve had so far this semester? Please describe.      I’m not sure what the artist’s role is in a critique. I think their role depends on the type of critique that is taking place. If it is the artist’s goal is to receive gut feedback from the viewer, then the artist should remain quiet at first. However, if the point of the crit is to get feedback from the full extent of concept behind the work, it might be valuable to speak first. Either way, the artist has a responsibility to listen well and be respectful to the comments of the viewer. If the artist wants to ask others to respond to their work, then they must be willing to kindly hear the viewer out.      The role of the viewer in a critique is to give the work the attention it deserves. My professor once told us to allow the work to speak to us. If we liked it, we should try to figure out why. If we did not like it, it was probably because there was something that we needed to reconsider in ourselves. It is important to be open to what the work is offering or saying. Sitting with the work before responding first, is a good habit. This way, the viewer can listen to the piece instead of trying to impose our own interpretation of it too quickly. As I mentioned earlier, one of my classmate’s work was difficult but extremely meaningful for me. I felt like I wasn’t doing my part as a responsible viewer. I was unable to come close to consider the work. Instead, I tried to hide behind my fellow students to avoid facing the work. But I also tried not to completely disrespect the work by ignoring it. Thanks to my professor’s earlier advice about viewing art, I followed the disturbance where it led. I asked myself why this piece was bothering me so much and what was specific about this work that made me feel the way it did.

4. Do you think you were generous to your classmates in the critiques so far? Why or why not? What do you think would help you to be more involved and engaged in the conversation?      On the whole, I think that I was pretty average in my generosity in critiques. I wasn’t silent or ignoring the work, but I definitely could have put more effort into responding. I found that the more I knew about the work or had conversations previously with the artist, the better I engaged in the crit. When I consider the artist’s practice on a relatively consistent basis, I find that I have more to say or consider during the critique. With 22 students in our class, I don’t consider each work with the time it deserves. I also feel in critiques like with so many people, my responsibility to respond is far less. This is one of the reasons why the small group studio visits are so helpful. I need to engage with the work because there are so few of us besides the artist. It could be helpful to have more crit groups rather than full class discussions. Instead of having a class critique, we could be a part of 3 small groups with different students in each group. This way, we would hear feedback from all of our classmates, but it would be in a more intimate environment where everyone would be forced to speak their honest opinion.

What is the purpose of a critique?

A critique is meant to give constructive feedback to an individual about their work - to make sure it’s as strong as it can be.

Which particular critique conversation so far was most helpful, useful, or constructive for you as an artist?

I brought Daniel Chang to see my work after my second critique, and that was an interesting time. He asked me questions that others hadn’t, and pushed me to keep revisit my concept again and again to make sure that it was solid. He always knows what questions to ask to highlight the strong and weak parts of my work.

How did it inform or speak to what you do as an artist? Please describe.

It made me sit down and write out more of my thoughts and goals and their implications more thoroughly, which is something I’ve kept doing since then. It’s so helpful! Who knew.

What critique session was most challenging for you so far?

I’d probably say my first critique session was the most challenging.

What about the conversation challenged you? Please describe.

It was interesting and a bit disappointing, as no one was truly engaging the content of the work. But it was definitely a good learning experience for me, and has showed me where to tone down some and emphasize other parts of my work in order for it to be more successful in the way that I want it to be.

What is the role of the artist and the role of the viewer in the critique? How do you feel in these roles?

The role of the artist is to make work for people to discuss, and to guide the conversation if there is something specific they want to hear about. The viewer’s role is to honestly engage the work and give helpful feedback when they have something worthwhile to say. I feel comfortable in both roles? I suppose. I tend to be more of a quiet observer, and I’ll only speak up if I actually have something to contribute. I don’t talk just to hear my voice or to waste time.

What is the most meaningful viewing experience you’ve had so far this semester? Please describe.

Avery’s work was definitely one of them. Seeing the work grow from the first experimentations to where it’s at right now was incredible. The work is successful on all the levels that she wanted it to be, even the very much non-artists that I talked to understood her work. I also don’t remember the last time I felt as at peace as I do in that gallery.

Do you think you were generous to your classmates in the critiques so far? Why or why not?

I definitely tried to be. I think that generosity in critiques can come through silence or through talking. I always tried to be as actively involved as possible, whether that be through listening and thinking about the work or through giving feedback.

What do you think would help you to be more involved and engaged in the conversation?

Honestly I’m not sure. I’m pretty engaged in it already, I just need to work on finding things to say more during critiques.

What does it mean to you to make art in a community?

Community is incredibly important to me. It means being surrounded with people who are actively involved in art and art making, who are willing to engage with me and my work (and the same for me to them). Making around other people is so helpful, it helps keep me accountable to making and pushes my work further than I could were I on my own.

How does artwork made by other artists affect what you do as an artist?

It can inspire me and help me solve problems in my own making. Looking at art is essential to any healthy art practice, it’s important to know what else is happening in the art world, to make sure that your work is contributing to the larger conversation.

How can you take better advantage of the built in art community you have at Biola?

What is the purpose of a critique? Which particular critique conversation so far was most helpful, useful, or constructive for you as an artist? How did it inform or speak to what you do as an artist? Please describe.

- A critique has different purposes depending on what point in your creating you are at. For someone with an established and determined vision, it acts as real-life art vs. viewer experience. An artist can workshop the feeling of their work, getting people’s first impressions and hesitations. Then, it is up to that artist what the application of those opinions looks like. I enjoyed Shelby’s crit. I had been thinking about having drawings lay flat, and watching people interact with his work gave me insight to wether or not the presentation would help my own. 

What critique session was most challenging for you so far? What about the conversation challenged you? Please describe.

- Honestly everyone who had to go 3rd or 4th each class had the most difficult sessions. That is really unfortunate for those folks; no one wants to force people to talk about their work, and it became difficult for everyone to keep contributing after so much time. It was always clear when the work shown at the end was strong, though, because everyone found a little more spunk to talk about it. 

What is the role of the artist and the role of the viewer in the critique? How do you feel in these roles? What is the most meaningful viewing experience you’ve had so far this semester? Please describe. 

- As an artist i don't like to talk very much, preferring instead to just watch people look at the work. Id rather tell the effect of a work based on how a person looks at it, rather than what they say. I say things all the time that don't match up with what I am trying to get across. I think a much more honest reading of a work’s success comes from watching the viewer rather than just listening to what they say. As a result, I am a sorry excuse for a viewer in a crit. Even when I do contribute, it is with great reluctance. The most impactful viewing of the semester came at night.

Do you think you were generous to your classmates in the critiques so far? Why or why not? What do you think would help you to be more involved and engaged in the conversation?

- No, not at all. They deserved as much feedback as they gave. If I felt that I had something worth saying, I would usually talk to someone about their work after the critique or the next time I saw them. To be more engaged in the conversation I would need to change how i engage in social situations in general. so. 

What does it mean to you to make art in a community? How does artwork made by other artists affect what you do as an artist? How can you take better advantage of the built in art community you have at Biola?