The Art of Critique

Tai Goo

Tai Goo

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In light of a couple other threads, "What's the point" and "Kumbaya Compliments versus Unvarnished Opinions", I thought maybe some basic information on "critique" itself might be helpful.

The Art of Critique:
http://thehalcyon.deviantart.com/art/The-Art-of-Critique-20778342

Guidelines for Group Critique:
http://www.albany.edu/faculty/dgoodwin/shared_resources/critique.html

Successful Art Class Critique:
http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/critique1.html

Critique Guidelines:
http://www.thecarvingpath.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t776.html
http://us.vclart.net/wiki/Critique_Guidelines
 
Excellent articles and important reading for everyone.......
Thanks for bringing up these links!

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
Good links. :thumbup:

(One of my favorite definitions - "Diplomacy is the art of telling someone to go to hell in such a manner that they are actually looking forward to the trip!" )
 
You bet!

Being a "serious critic" is truly an art!
It's a learned skill and something that takes a lot of effort, practice, patience, understanding, wisdom and desire. You have to want to be a "serious" critic…

A "good" critique, a “serious” critique,… can be worth it's weight in gold to an artist...

A “bad” critique, an “unserious” critique,… can be very detrimental to an artist.

Learning how to "receive" criticism is also an art. ;)
 
A great thread that addresses the valid thoughts of Steven in his thread. Over the years I have learned much about knives as well as other aspects of life in general when I have been allowed to listen when a knife-maker (usually a good friend) has asked another maker to critique work.

Thank you Tai.

Gus
 
You are all very welcome.

I would love to see more "serious critique" here,... or even a special area for it. :)

... so that makers or collectors who want to "invite" it can...
 
If a maker or collector post a pic of a knife and specifically asks for a critique,… that is one thing…

However, if a maker or collector simply posts a pic of a knife with no invitation for critique,… that is another thing.
 
Tai Goo said:
If a maker or collector post a pic of a knife and specifically asks for a critique,… that is one thing…

However, if a maker or collector simply posts a pic of a knife with no invitation for critique,… that is another thing.
Click to expand...

You don't get to define that.....it is your opinion....there is "implied" invitation for critique, and there is overt request invitation for critique.... but the result is the same....IF a MAKER posts a photograph of their work, critique is fair game, for a myriad of reasons posted elsewhere.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Gotta agree with Stevesan.........

This is a PUBLIC forum.

Posting here opens you up to WHATEVER........

You better get good or have thick skin!!!:o
 
Kohai999 said:
You don't get to define that.....it is your opinion....there is "implied" invitation for critique, and there is overt request invitation for critique.... but the result is the same.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

I don't think you can safely make the assumption that welcome critique is "implied". That is just your opinion.

If they post a pic here, they take the "risk" of critique whether they want it or not.
There is a difference...

They may just be looking for "exposure" and/or controversy, regardless of opinion.
 
however, specifically state that you are posting the picture for public appreciation, and would everyone please refrain from comment...right?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
however, specifically state that you are posting the picture for public appreciation, and would everyone please refrain from comment...right?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

I appreciate your honesty,... but you have a lot to learn about being an effective critic.
 
Tai Goo said:
I appreciate your honesty,... but you have a lot to learn about being an effective critic.
Click to expand...

I have a lot to learn about a great many things, Tai....don't you?

Never claimed to be an effective critic, a great artist, an accomplished martial artist, or an expert at anything.....like making knives it is the effort made AND the results that create the whole, right?

My wife would say that I am a good husband....and that means the most to me....

outside of that, would MUCH rather be an INeffective critic that makes some valid points, than a syncophant, or someone who contributes to the status quo by saying nothing.

All different types are present and accounted for on the Forums...for everyone who says something as a constructive critique, you will find two who say "don't listen to him, he is a big ######", and they might be right, but it doesn't mean the opinion presented is any less valid...if it was valid to begin with.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
I have a lot to learn about a great many things, Tai....don't you?

Never claimed to be an effective critic, a great artist, an accomplished martial artist, or an expert at anything.....like making knives it is the effort made AND the results that create the whole, right?

My wife would say that I am a good husband....and that means the most to me....

outside of that, would MUCH rather be an INeffective critic that makes some valid points, than a syncophant, or someone who contributes to the status quo by saying nothing.

All different types are present and accounted for on the Forums...for everyone who says something as a constructive critique, you will find two who say "don't listen to him, he is a big ######", and they might be right, but it doesn't mean the opinion presented is any less valid...if it was valid to begin with.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Steven, I have absolutely no control over it,... and therefore don't feel responsible.

I was just trying to offer some basic information about "critique" itself, for those who take it seriously...
 
Most of the time makers don't post knives, buyers do. Then the thread criticizes what the maker made. So I think you are part right Steven.

A big part of the battle in being a good critic, as in much of life, is in being gracious. A lot of the "how to critique" crap you read is just that- crap. "Say something nice before you criticize, etc." We're adults here, and everyone can see through that BS. Others have said it better than I can, but it is often how you say something. Taking care to point out that what is being said is your opinion, and not irrefutable logic. Being descriptive in terms of how you might have done something different instead of just saying something is wrong. And always stay away from sarcasm. In person it works, but on the Internet it's usually taken the wrong way.
 
If the majority of what we read on the forums isn't "serious" critique,... and just personal, biased, subjective opinions,... then why should we take any of it seriously?
 
I think if a person asks for no comments bad or good that would be gay as hell. It is a public forum and to want something seen and not spoken of on a forum where you put it up would be pointless. I post knives that other people I know will not like and I look forward to there response's almost as much as the good one's. Bottum line is If i like it I do not care who else does. I have learned alot from harsh criticing my whole life and that is life. As for Steven being a good critic he has a good eye and I would not discount what he say's. Like I said before I think he likes to bust balls and i think that is funny even when it is my own. But the problem is he makes a good point sometimes
 
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