HOW DO YOU HANDLE CRITICISM?

Art Critic by Norman Rockwell

By JoAnn Frekot

Works of art are naturally subject to scrutiny, assessment, evaluation and criticism.   

If asked, most people will have an opinion about a particular piece of art, and it may not  be positive.  

A few of us in the studio had the following thoughts to share when asked, "How do you handle criticism of your art?"

Vera Kent:  Terribly, at first!  

I'm a sensitive person.  I received a critique in 2024 that my work was "decorative."  I interpreted this as my work lacking depth, and I resented that.  But the nature of critique is not negative.  Once I accepted that and looked closer, that comment pushed me to purchase new books and dive further into learning how to create nuance and narrative.  It changed my work for the better.  

I think it will always sting to hear 'negative' feedback, but it's so important.  Just gotta stand up straight and take it with grace!

A Travers Les Ateliers, 1862
Honore Daumier

Tom Winterstein:  I ignore criticism and listen carefully to critiques by persons whose opinion I value.

I make a distinction between a criticism and a critique.  To me the art critic is making a value judgment about my art:  Is it good art or not, did I waste my time and the critics by making it.  A critique is about making suggestions to improve the art, and is intended to help the artist achieve their goal in making the art.  

A person critiquing may say, "I'm confused about what you are trying to express in your art work.  Can you tell me what it is?," as a way of helping the artist clarify what they are trying to express.  Or the person critiquing may make a comment about the formal aspects of a painting, such as, "I find the boundary of this form shadow to be too sharp.  Have you thought about softening it?"  A critique is not about the value of the art work, about whether or not the person critiquing the art likes it.  It is about trying to help the artist best express their concept for the art.

I dismiss criticism.  Mostly I find it is hot air and an expression of the critic's personal prejudices rather than anything that can help me improve my art.  However, I do listen carefully to critiques by persons I respect.  Because they are helping me improve my art.

 

"Spark Joy" by Valentine Svihalek

Katharine Gotham:  I handle criticism of my work much the same as I handle compliments to my work.  Both are very useful and appreciated, but I try not to place too much value on them.  Very often, I find that the comment has more to do with the other person's taste or agenda.  In my experience as both a potter and a painter, nothing dulls my artistic spark as quickly as chasing after the whims of others.  

Here's my advice:  Find your north star and let it guide your way.

Four Hearts,' Jim Dine, 1969

JoAnn Frekot:  My biggest challenge when it comes to criticism of my art has been self-criticism.  As a relative "late bloomer," I try to focus on what I can learn from others, and avoid labeling my work as "worse" than other paintings. 

During my career as a Human Resources professional, I worked extensively with "performance management systems,"  mostly in manufacturing settings.  I found that about 99% of the time, the most effective way of providing feedback to an employee was to frame it as developmental in nature.  

One can ask, "What would you do differently next time?"  instead of "Why on earth did you do that?"  Most people are willing to learn, but who enjoys having their face rubbed in a mistake?  

When it comes to my art, I hold the same philosophy.  I respect that others may or may not like what I create.  But the most valuable feedback comes from other artists, and especially my studio mates.  They will ask questions or make suggestions that come from a place of wanting to help me develop.  

So my advice about handling criticism is to figure out what is helpful, ignore the rest, and focus on the joy that comes with creating art.