Group Critique on March 26

We had a group critique for our work to-date last week. I had taken in 10 of my pieces and three done in collaboration with a cohort. Seems that was overkill.

Only half of our group showed up for it, so was very low key. 

By far I had the most work put forward... and it wasn't even ALL of this year's collection of work. I've got more available and several WIP that weren't transportable. I assumed showing a selection of work that was going in different directions was better than not? I got the impression from the Prof that I should have "curated" it better.. I thought the reason for a crit was to get feedback and others' opinions of what I was considering to submit?

Anyhow, consensus was these were everyone's preferred works.

Made from weaving two A1 sheets of newsprint that I'd used to clean my brayers and knives while offset printing. I kept them and cut each in half, and wove the halves together. I was pleased with how they turned out as shapes and lines showed up that weren't in the original.

Some of my 3D works are still in early stages but I brought along the smallest that is at stage two to give an idea of what I'm doing. I had previously shared photos of stage one.  The Prof questioned why I "liked" it. Sigh. Again, I explained the work involved in the process of producing it (weaving tree branches together is damn difficult!) and what the next steps are, and that I have a series in different sizes and configurations. She responded, so it is about the work and effort to make it? Sigh. I have to go through this all the time with the tutors in this program.

You'd think after two and a half years they would have accepted that I am a process driven artist. The design, planning and physical creation of my work is what drives me. Once it is finished, and I am pleased with the result, I move on. I don't put any deep, metaphysical or philosophical meaning in my work. I strive to make sure I am being environmentally responsible, try to be innovative in techniques and materials, etc. and often illustrate conservation and climate issues, but not to the point of hitting people over the head with a message.

I have a large free standing sculpture I am working on that will be exhibited at our residency which runs from April 28th - May11th at GROW. Using parts of a tree we topped, recycling, repurposed and found materials, scrounged ceramics that I beachcombed, etc. It will be around 5 feet tall, give or take. The base structure is built, now constructing the armatures over it.

As a take-away from the critique, not sure I have one. Other than most preferred the two pieces noted above. I'm beginning to think that my vision problems and the accommodation I receive for them from the university, are causing them to "go easy on me"... Not that I would necessarily change my ways, but when I see my fellow students getting grilled and having their work dismissed as not worth exhibiting, or being told they can't exhibit it the way they designed it to be, I do wonder about it. I can take criticism, will accept instruction and suggestions, if they want something and explain it to with me with the reasons it is needed I'll do it, but also will argue my point of view if I don't consider things to be valid or fair - it is my work and I know what I want from it.

We have to install our "exhibition" in late August for assessment, so I still have almost five months left to work. And probably more than enough things started and waiting for construction.

This is a Pass/Fail MA program... I wasn't aware of that when I applied and enrolled. So I will carry-on as I've started and do my best, which is creating what pleases ME, ultimately.