Art Critics: An Alternative View
- Jessica DeMers
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
Rethinking how I look at my work through a critic's perspective
Recently, I had the privilege of welcoming a professional art critic into my studio. It was an opportunity I hadn't quite expected but one that turned out to be invaluable. The critic provided me with honest, yet diplomatic feedback, and I’m excited to share what was said and how I incorporate feedback into my practice.
As much as I love an compliment, sweet words will do nothing to help me grow. I haven't had a professional critique since 2010, and I wasn't mature enough to take his assessment constructively. When I had this new opportunity, I made sure I took notes. Let's take a look at the basics first:
What is an Art Critic?
An art critic is a professional who evaluates, analyzes, and interprets works of art. They offer insights into the technical aspects of a piece, its emotional impact, and how it fits within the broader context of art history and contemporary trends. Art critics may work for galleries, magazines, newspapers, or even independently, and their feedback can help artists refine their work and grow in their practice.
The role of an art critic is not just to pass judgment but to provide constructive assessment that can inspire an artist to see their work from a new perspective. Their comments may highlight strengths you hadn’t considered and point out areas where improvement is possible. This external feedback is particularly valuable because it offers a fresh set of eyes that can see your work objectively, something that can be difficult to do when you’re too close to your own creations.
How to Use Their Advice
When using an art critic’s advice, it’s important to approach their feedback with an open mind. Their suggestions are meant to challenge you and encourage growth, not to discourage you. Here are a few ways to effectively use their assessment:
Don’t Take It Personally – Art is personal, but critique isn’t about you; it’s about improving your work. Use feedback as a tool for growth, not a judgment of your worth.
Evaluate Critique Objectively – Consider if the feedback aligns with your goals. Look for constructive suggestions and common themes.
Identify Key Takeaways – Focus on advice that truly enhances your practice. If a suggestion resonates, explore how it can deepen your creative process.
Use Critique to Fuel Growth – See critique as a chance to push boundaries. Experiment with new materials, techniques, or themes to expand your artistic possibilities.
Apply Feedback Gradually – Change doesn’t have to be drastic. Make small adjustments and see how they influence your work while staying true to your style.
An art critic’s advice is a valuable resource for any artist looking to grow and evolve. By embracing their insights and using them to refine your practice, you’ll be better equipped to develop a unique voice and create art that truly resonates with others.
My Critiques
Depending on what is said, I appreciate other's opinions, or find them distasteful, vindictive or uneducated. Like I said before, you need to make sure that it's coming from a place of support and knowledge. I think it's just something that takes practice to sift through, and years of listening to your gut.
When I was going to university for my BFA, we held regular group critiques which I miss. Sometimes it was hard to hear what was said, even if they were true.
I can remember a few such as, "Why do you draw the same person over and over again? and "Why don't they have fingernails!?" If you knew what my art looked like at the time, you'd understand. Haha!
At a group show that I was exhibiting in, a visitor said, "I'd feel uncomfortable with a portrait of someone else on my wall looking at me!" - I did a lot of art after this where I always covered the persons' eyes. Eventually, I switched back though.
Here's some insight from my most recent critique:
POINT 1 - Vulnerability
This time around, one of the most striking pieces of advice was to make my art more personal rather than observational, to be more vulnerable. This suggestion really caught my attention. At first, I thought, "But they are personal to me!" I’ve always felt that the stories of those around me hold a mirror to my own experiences, and I’ve channeled those emotions into my pieces.
However, the more I reflected on this feedback, the more I realized that it’s not just about drawing inspiration from others. It’s about exploring how I can connect their stories to mine, and how I can translate those connections more clearly into my work. My art doesn’t only reflect the world around me, it's through the lens of my perspective. That personal connection and insight might help my pieces resonate on a deeper level.
POINT 2 - Consistency
Another crucial point the critic touched on was consistency. This is something I’ve struggled with throughout my artistic journey. As much as I love experimenting with different materials, color palettes, and themes, it’s clear that consistency is necessary to ensure my work is recognizable and cohesive. I admit that it’s easy to get excited by new ideas and let the exploration of different mediums or styles carry me in different directions. Yet, I know that to create a body of work that truly represents me as an artist, there needs to be a sense of continuity that ties everything together. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure this one out.
Final Thoughts
This critique has already given me a fresh perspective on how I can evolve my practice. It’s an exciting challenge to reflect on how I can delve deeper into the personal side of my work, and at the same time, find that consistent thread that connects my diverse creations.
Ultimately, this experience has been a reminder that feedback, especially when delivered thoughtfully and with care, can be an incredibly powerful tool in refining my craft. It’s helping me see my art in new ways and pushing me to explore further, dig deeper, and hone my voice.
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