First Group Critique.
Participating in our first group critique was a mix of nerves and excitement. decided to share my current large-scale experimental piece, measuring roughly 1.5m x 0.5m. Speaking about my work to a group of peers was challenging - I felt words tumbling out all at once, unsure if I was saying too much or not enough. Yet, the feedback was invaluable and gave me a fresh perspective on how to refine my piece. One suggestion was to experiment with a stipple brush to capture the textured, layered look I’ve been striving for with tree foliage, especially since my current technique using tissue paper often became oversaturated and unpredictable.
What made the session even more rewarding was the unexpected insight into other potential sources of inspiration. One peer mentioned Sohrab Sepehri, an artist whose work has echoes of my own style. Sepehri’s poetic, contemplative approach to art, blending Eastern aesthetics with abstract expressionism, could offer new pathways for exploration in my practice (read more about Sohrab Sepehri). Another valuable suggestion pointed me toward traditional Chinese Freehand brushwork, known for its expressive, fluid techniques that align with the essence of my ink work. This exploration could deepen my understanding of combining precision and spontaneity, fostering a dynamic interplay in my compositions (more on Freehand brush work).
As I left the session, I had a renewed sense of excitement and motivation. The critique has shown a new path forward, not just in technical refinements but in broadening my creative research. Ideas buzzed around in my head, from the stipple brush experiment (which has been ordered) to diving into Sepehri’s works and delving deeper into traditional Chinese techniques. The suggestions resonated as sparks that reignited my commitment to the piece and to my art practice as a whole.
It felt almost surreal to realise that sharing my process and art with others, something I’d been so cautious about, could result in such profound insight and affirmation. For so long, I’d kept my work in a protective cocoon, only sharing it with close family or friends on the odd occasion. But opening up in this critique helped me realise that sharing my art doesn’t diminish its meaning - it amplifies it. It was as if a door had opened, inviting me to embrace the idea that my work is not just mine but part of a larger conversation, one that could influence and be influenced by others.
The burst of motivation that followed carried me beyond that session, into my practice, where I felt an urgency to apply what I had learned and see where these new techniques could take me. The validation from the session wasn’t just a fleeting comfort; it was a reminder that my voice was not only being heard but valued. This experience nudged me toward owning my artistic voice more fully, marking a shift from guarded creation to confident exploration, bolstered by the support of a community that was eager to see me succeed.
