Critical Confrontations

 I think we have lost some of our ability to judge art from the critical components due to the overwhelming onslaught of visual images in modern life.  And this can be frustrating for artists.  Wayne Thiebaud is quoted in the book Artist to Artist as saying, “We all need critical confrontation of the fullest and most extreme kind that we can get. You can unnecessarily limit yourself by choosing your criticism…but how would I feel if Matisse or Morandi or Richard Diebenkorn walked into my studio?”

For many of us, the idea of having the equivalent of Matisse entering our studio is something we might dream about but know is unlikely to happen.  Once an artist leaves the classroom – or perhaps never enters it – what he learns depends upon his own efforts to master the craft.  Which means for most of us, self-mentoring has become a modern necessity, made easier by access to resources on the web, through artist websites, DVD’s and the myriad art instructional courses, magazines and books in the marketplace. 

Still, there’s a part of me that longs for the chance to have that one-on-one experience with an artist who can really offer me critical confrontation.  Not necessarily the workshop experience, or the demo – I mean the chance to toss ideas and concepts around and talk late into the night.  To have someone who’s technique and understanding I admire walk up to my work and tell me what he sees that excites him and what he thinks I could do better.

 I don’t see how an artist can continue to create exciting work if she is not excited about doing it.  And the toughest thing about self mentoring is that you’re working through your difficulties in a vacuum.  Maybe that’s the real value in the artist’s blog, to give us something to think about, and maybe make our work a little better. At least that is one of the challenges I've set for myself in this New Year.  I hope you will join me in the conversation. 

Follow this link if you would like more information about Artist to Artist: Inspiration & Advice from Artists Past & Present, compiled by Clint Brown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Lois Primeau]

I've had the same thoughts so many times! It's hard to work on a piece without someone critiquing it for you at times. One ends up second guesses oneself and maybe never actually finishing the piece to it's full potential. I welcome ALL critiques of any work I post. I'm not looking for a pat on the back. I'm looking for real, honest evaluation of my work. So, if you should ever see any of it, feel free to say what you think!

[Jo-Ann Sanborn]

Even as part of an artist colony, the type of conversation you desire is rare and can't be forced. Treasure such moments as a special gifts. Maybe a retreat?

[Polatlı]

Good post. I like to read your posts. well written. thank you.

[Patricia]

Excellent post. I've worked at creating groups for this very purpose but have found it difficult. Not all artists are ready for a conversation like this. I'm grateful for the internet, for connections such as these.

[Skip Rohde]

I am extremely fortunate to have had the type of experience you're talking about. Several years ago, I spent three days working alongside the painter Jerome Witkin in his studio. We spent hours talking about art, the process of art, the ideas, the message, and the emotions. I saw, up close, how he worked. He critiqued the paintings that I had brought, and was spot-on, too. He had me over to his house for dinner with his family. It was an amazing experience. I learned a lot about painting, about being an artist, and about myself, and these lessons still affect what I do today. I am constantly working to improve my work: technically, compositionally, and conceptually. It's a never-ending road, isn't it? That's one of the things I learned from Jerome.