"The Studio Revisted" Discussion Questions; Responses

I decided I would respond to more than one Discussion Leader:

Caitlin # 1.

I feel that as young artists, influence can be both negative and positive. I feel that influence is a careful line that is drawn between your individual work and the ones who view it. In regards to the positive, because we are young, we do lack some knowledge when  addressing the standards of the much larger artistic community. Therefore, influence on our work can sometimes  be greatly needed from colleagues, instructors and critics. Because critics and instructors (mainly) are more well versed in the community aside from the limitations of a student, their input may sometimes allow our work to be cultivated and shaped in way that is more mature and that of the artistic community in which we are striving to be a part of. On the contrary, I feel that influence can also be very bad for a young artist. I feel like I struggle sometimes with this in my own work. Critic and constructive criticism is always very important; it is beneficial for a young artist to spend time looking at examples of other artists in the field and see what others are doing, ultimately to build/strengthen your work. However, I feel too much influence is not ok. Your work is your work. End of story. If you shape or conform your ideas and concepts and the message you are trying to convey, to that of an influence, you lose your unique and significant role in the community. I feel if we are too hasteful in accepting the influence of others, we could potentially jeopardize the very essence that is key to our work.

Kasey # 3

I feel that "nice" compliments are realistic, but only if the viewer can exactly explain what they like about the piece and how the elements are strengthening the piece. "This is really good," obviously does nothing to help the artist. Telling the artist why you like something shows the artist what is being done successfully so that they can continue to cultivate those aspects of their work. I think criticism is successful when it expresses both positive construction and instructions for improvement or presents the artist with areas that needs calling attention calling to. Simply saying a work is nice and you like it or this sucks and I hate it are not substantial. Referencing the article, I feel that Welish pretty much nailed my take on critic; "by virtue of engaging the art and leaving the artist with matters to think about nudges the artist further along in the creative process."

Megan # 2

Art can be incredibly personal to the artist and therefore could be difficult to present to the potential scrutiny of a viewer. However, I think that it is very important for an artist to be able to discuss the concept behind their work. Ultimately as artists, the hope is that through whatever piece of work we produce, we intend to either evoke an emotion, convey an idea or build from a concept. Sometimes, that may be very difficult for the viewer to interpret. If speaking about your work is challenging, my one suggestion would be for confidence and well versed in explaining the concept behind the piece and your vision for future work. That way, the viewer can at least have a working overview to work with.