Nicole Hanna Jewelry
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Learn To Wire Wrap
    • PDF Tutorials
    • Video Tutorials
    • Tutorial Membership 2022
  • Shop
    • SIGNATURE COLLECTION
    • GODDESS COLLECTION
    • PDF Tutorials >
      • Beginner Wire Weaving
      • Intermediate Weaving
      • PDFs for Cabochons
      • Advanced Weaving
      • Wire Wrap Workshops

Creativity vs. (Un)Constructive Criticism

7/5/2017

6 Comments

 
A while back, I wrote an article on giving and receiving constructive criticism and, in light of some recent social media activity, I thought it was a subject worth revisiting, but this time from the perspective of creative flow.

What I read online recently was a statement declaring there was absolutely no benefit to giving praise for artistic work unless praise is deserved. Seems straight-forward, right? I mean, are we enabling improper technique, poor design elements or incomplete production with our placating reactions of "Great work!" in response to art posted online?

This question, however, remains: deserved by whose standards? While one person might deem a piece of art sloppy or ugly or unacceptable, someone else might view it as a beautiful representation of creative expression. And, while I might not necessarily purchase for myself a particular piece of art, I tend to believe supportive reaction to that art is far more conducive to creative growth than a critical review.
Picture
With that said, I applaud anyone who encourages critical commentary on their work. Being open to constructive feedback is an incredibly important tool. There is an art, in and of itself, to giving and receiving a critique that is both helpful and encouraging.

But accepting and believing praise, especially regarding artistic endeavors often plagued with doubt and self-judgment, is equally, stunningly important.

Now, let's assume critical commentary is unwelcome or unsolicited. Let's assume we don't particularly like the work posted, either because we consider it sloppy or unattractive, per our standards or aesthetics. Should we then refrain from offering supportive commentary at all? More importantly, should we discourage others from offering support, per our particular set of standards?

Imagine this comment (real enough, as it turns out): "I'm so tired of reading 'Great work!' on jewelry that should never be posted online, much less for sale." This is a real comment. I've read some variation of it more times than I care to count during my years in this industry.

And hey... there might even be some honesty to it, per the standards of the person making that statement. Of course, we have our own opinions, and those judgments define how we, as artists, create. The problem, unfortunately, is when we project those judgments on others.

These are things to consider:
  • There is a market for everything.
  • Honesty does not equal universal fact.
  • You are not the boss of any opinion but your own.

So, now let's look at the purpose of praise and how that impacts our creative flow.
Picture
How many times have you been frustrated with a creative project so profoundly you've reached out to the public in a desperate pitch for encouragement?

So many, right? We've all been there. We've all been pushed to abandon our passions. And I even hazard a guess that many of us know when our work is inadequate on some level, to some set of standards. Yet, we need some consolation to continue, to push past our own perceived deficiencies and strive for perfection as defined by our own set of standards.

Six years ago, I gave up. I gave away my jewelry, my tools, my beads. I was discouraged, disappointed in my progress as defined by my own standards. And, after it was all gone and I was resigned to live a life without wire wrapping, a stranger contacted me. She found a photo of a piece I'd completed years prior. The photo embarrassed me. The quality was horrible. My wrapping was unimaginative, I thought, perhaps even sloppy. But she loved it. She praised it. She commissioned a copy of it and then purchased again. And again.

And it was then I realized that praise, or positive affirmation, is critical to maintaining creative momentum. Technique can always improve. By creating, it improves, whether we set out to do so or not. The act of creation is the conduit through which improvement happens. Praise, however, is a conduit through which creation happens.

So, then next time you refuse to offer "empty praise", I hope you recognize how that strips the spirit from creativity. Instead of denying someone your support, lift them up. If you can't comment on the positives of a piece in its entirety, pick out a single element you enjoy. You don't have to sacrifice your own aesthetic or standards to support the art of others. You just have to suspend judgment long enough to see what you might otherwise allow your perceptions to easily dismiss.

6 Comments
Pc
7/6/2017 02:58:27 am

Thank you for these words, Nicole.
As someone struggling to find the spark again – your words resonate with me. When I had my first show 6 months ago, it was a ‘success’. But self-inflicted pressure made me look at everything I made - and feel like I was not going to get any better at this craft. There was this ideal I set up for myself- wanted to do ‘everything’. Beading was not enough, wire wrapping had to be ‘exquisite’, and new techniques had to be incorporated - or nothing.
I felt I had bought enough stuff to be the ‘Jackie of all’ in jewellery. Sadly, it ends there… I bought stuff I can’t bear to look at – it’s a struggle to find that spark again. We can set standards for ourselves that make us our own worst enemy - and I imagine the wrong kind of critique can set someone back by years.

I often visit your site - hoping the desire or inspiration will return upon seeing your art. I can’t find it in me to pick up a pair of pliers yet – but I there is the hope of it.

Reply
Sharon Wyman-Rogers
7/7/2017 11:54:25 am

Dear Nicole:

There are times that I see artistic works and I frankly wonder why anyone would purposely have created said piece. When I criticize (without thought and empathy), my words are destructive. That destructiveness changes the post from being about the artistic work and the artist, to being about me. It can deflate what little self-esteem the artist may have; it may kill the artists creativity. But, if I step back, I realize that it is someone else's creativity at work, not mine. That this post is NOT about me. I get to be constructive and truly look at the techniques that were used and offer ideas as to how the technique(s) or piece might be improved. That keeps the focus on the artistic work and supports the artist in growing the creativity that lives within. That's the kind of person I want I responding to my posts. That's the kind of person I want to be for others.

Reply
KJ
7/9/2017 08:20:02 pm

Mostly I am just too darn busy to even make anything let alone offer supportive praise. On the other hand I am certainly too busy to criticize someone else's work. I do get tired of the "beautiful," "great work," "wonderful" comments without anything more. When you look at someone's work it is almost as easy to say- wow, you have grown; or what an inspiring choice of colors; or fabulous structure; or I like the way you finished that; The choices really are plentiful if the entire work is not to your taste.

I am glad you picked up wire and tools again. I have learned a lot from you.

Reply
Alice
7/10/2017 08:08:27 pm

Feeling defeated is human. Giving up is human. Starting over is human. Creating art is human. Forgive yourself. Start over doing easy stuff so that your hands will strengthen, toughen, and give in to the creative spark....try it, fail...thrive... Appreciate the growth given because of each of those failures, uninspired products, and successes. It's a process. We are lucky to experience it all.

Reply
SandiH
8/1/2017 12:38:53 am

Just so very glad you did pick up those tools again! Your work is awesome!

Reply
Leonard Tubbs
8/29/2017 05:49:49 pm

Hi Nicole. A few months ago, i created a labradorite and silver pendant/w/ necklace. it sat for a month in the shop... people said it was too expensive/not the "Right" stone/too big/too small... then one day it sold... a few weeks later i saw a woman wearing the pendant.. i debated approaching her.... i finally gave in and talked too her.. i told her i was the one that made the pendant and necklace.. she teared up and started to cry... telling me how much she loved the piece and that it was one of the first things she put on each morning, and one of the last things she took off at night.

that right there told me.. make what "I" love... someone else will agree

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Enjoy my content?

    Categories

    All
    Articles
    Blog
    Contests
    Giveaways
    Reviews
    Tutorials

    Archives

    January 2022
    July 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015


    Follow Me!


    Search My Site!


    Feed your creative spirit! Shop now!

    Picture

Check out my private Facebook group for live chats, giveaways and more! CLICK HERE!
FAQ
Contact
​
Gift Cards
NEWSLETTER
Jewelry Care
Privacy Policy
Permissions & Copyright
​Returns & Exchanges
​Shipping Policy
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Learn To Wire Wrap
    • PDF Tutorials
    • Video Tutorials
    • Tutorial Membership 2022
  • Shop
    • SIGNATURE COLLECTION
    • GODDESS COLLECTION
    • PDF Tutorials >
      • Beginner Wire Weaving
      • Intermediate Weaving
      • PDFs for Cabochons
      • Advanced Weaving
      • Wire Wrap Workshops