Critique Time

I imagined everyone in the room
would look like this.

In order to make the rounds through the Orlando art world there are some necessary tasks to perform. One of the first I undertook was to attend a critique group.  I expected to witness the display and critical assessments of individual art pieces by some very well established and well trained artists from the Orlando area and I was right.  However, I was also surprised to see a good number of artists, with little to no training, get in front of a group numbering nearly twenty five people and discuss the work they chose to bring that evening like lambs to the slaughter.  Some only had sketch books, others just pieces of paper and a few had full size paintings.  It was interesting to watch the different behaviors of each person as they explained their pieces and sought advice.  They had to deal with the pressure of standing in

front of strangers, advocating their own art, explaining what their piece meant or didn't mean, defending their choices, and above all, listen to criticism and comments without taking them personally.  A very difficult task for the non-initiated.  Some were comfortable and handled themselves confidently.  Some were shrinking violets who had a difficult time articulating their ideas.  And some were so self assured they came off as cocky braggarts.  In all instances those new artists were encouraged or humbled and given constructive suggestions to help them improve their talents.  It was fun to watch.  Enlightening and encouraging.  There was a lot of talent on display and various styles of art.  I learned that I need to see things more figuratively and not so literal.  I also learned that there is more to see in a painting or piece of work than what initially hits the eye.  For anyone who claims that they "don't get" art I suggest finding an opportunity like this one and see what the other eyes in the room see.

The learning and knowledge that we have, is, at the most, but little compared with that of which we are ignorant.
Plato