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Lesson Plans


Studio Critiques(Terry Barrett)

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Numo Jaeger and Michael Miller (jaegmil)
Sun, 22 Sep 1996 00:52:06 -0700 (PDT)

Hello Terry,
I recall a critique that I had at California College of Arts and Crafts back
in the '70's. My ceramics professor, Arthur Nelson, one of my most favorite
human beings, came by my work space to evaluate and critique some of my
final work for my senior show. I had decided that the only good art that had
any value at the time must be the tortured variety. It had shock value. It
was immediately powerful. So I spent time making tortured art. Faceless
women, Tortured bodies, and the seedier side of life. He said he didn't have
much to say. He was kind of disappointed. I was shocked. I was making art
just like some of the other advanced students. They recieved excellent reviews.

"What wrong with them ?" I asked.
He replied, "There is so much suffering in the world, Numo. You can choose
to show joy or suffering. Art is very powerful. As an artist can make people
smile,laugh or cry. That's what I think."

That statement Arthur Nelson made to me almost 20 years ago will stay with
me always. It had a powerful impact on my life as not just an artist or
teacher but as a human being.

Numo Jaeger
San Leandro High School
San Leandro CA
jaegmil
At 01:34 PM 9/9/96 -0400, you wrote:
>I am beginning a new research project on an aspect of art criticism. I
>want to work on improving studio critiques at the college level.
>
>To start, I am looking for true stories about critiques you participated in
>when you were a student in art courses in college. What was the best
>critique you were in? Why was it good? What was the worst critique you
>were in? Why was it bad? Please tell what happened, in what class, when,
>in what type of school.
>
>You can respond privately to my e-mail address, or post your story on the
>listserve so that more can see it and think about it and possibly respond.
>
>
>Thank you.
>
>Terry Barrett
>Professor, Department of Art Education
>Ohio State University
>Columbus, OH 43210
>614.292.4741
>barrett.8
>
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