Judging artwork
Sent: 11/27/2021 7:02:11 AM

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What's in a critique?

Artist's Society Of Dearborn- Fall Show critique

Hi!

This is a Thanksgiving story.

Joel Geffen, photographer and professor at Henry Ford College juried our ASD Fall Show. I did not win anything. I was mildly bummed. I admit it. But I got over it pretty quickly.

You see, I've learned that there is great value in not winning. Does it feel good to win? Of course it does! But I've found that I work harder after a loss than I do after a win. Attending the critique at the end of a show shines a light on where an artist can improve.

Here's the thing about critiques; who the awards go to does not just depend on the technical skill of the artist. A lot depends on the vision the juror has for the show, which is not often revealed ahead of time.

ASD Fall Show Entries 2021

In this case, not winning helped me see better. As Joel shared his vision I began to see what was missing in my piece, "Edison's Assistant." It lacked a clear story.

Just because I share the story with you and repeat it in my own head doesn't mean it translates to the canvas so that it's clear to a stranger.

Soooo.... I plan to fix this with a more prominent arc at the midpoint of the bulb and a little blur of the edge there and at the bird's tailtip.

I don't know if I'll change this painting itself or paint another version with a whole string of Edison lights.

When I do, you can be sure I'll let Joel know how thankful I was for his words of encouragement and suggestions.

Next week...off to another mural job for Gerdau Steel!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and those you love!

Jan

Me while walking between buildings at a steel mill....