In looking around dA, I find many examples of art and many examples of what may not be anything more than snapshots, doodles, etc. We all desire to showcase what we have created even if it is not of the quality that pleases others. Keep in mind that we all began somewhere; and for the good of the community and individuals in the community, I don’t think that hurtful comments and/or blasting is the least bit beneficial as we were and many, including me, still are new to our craft. In an effort to grow the community, I would like to urge you all, and myself included, to help one another. Our quest, through art, is to explore and exhibit our own visions.

When people ask for critique, in my view at least, they are asking for what interests you as the viewer as far as the correct technical aspects, composition, design, color, etc. They are also asking what you think could be done to improve the piece. Nobody wants to be blasted with comments that imply that they are unworthy to create art. If I were to upload a photograph of a bug, for instance, and ask for critique, my hopes are that if I did something to make that image unappealing, by not holding the camera very steady for example; someone might comment that I might want to use a tripod or faster shutter speed to get a sharper image. I would most likely get my feelings hurt if someone were to say something like, “ Personally, I think this shot is all wrong. It’s all blurry and you can’t really make out what it is supposed to be. The lighting is off too. I’d start over.” While both responses let the artist (me) know that the ‘bug shot’ isn’t as good as it could be, the first response gives me somewhere to start in correcting the error. It gives me confidence by the fact alone that I wasn’t bombarded with hurtful remarks. Being a community of artists, we are or should be here to showcase our own work, look at and possibly be inspired by others’ art, and to help our fellow deviants. I would like to add, though, that if you are the artist and a subject calls to you; rely on your own satisfaction of capturing it. Other people will not always view your creations as you do, and getting defensive will not change the other person’s mind. Taking other people’s attitudes towards the effectiveness of your vision too close to heart will probably cause unhappiness and conflict between you and your future visions.

Now not far from that subject brings me to a question I had for myself and wanted to share with you all. When I began reading, Examples by Ansel Adams, I asked myself ‘can you learn and/or be inspired by work that does not particularly interest you?’ My own conclusion, by the end of his book is a resounding YES! When I first looked through this book that is 24 years old, I wondered how it could teach me anything. By page 17, I was quickly jotting down notes, ten pages of notes to be exact. I was not impressed, at first, with Adams’ photography of the west. To be quite honest, I almost closed the book at page 5, to move on to another photographer. But in my determination to learn how to better improve my skills, I studied the images and read his enlightening descriptions. It helped me to decide what I liked and disliked about his images. One of the first steps in any creative process is relying on your knowledge and your desire to create.

I hope you take this opportunity to start looking at others’ art with a new perspective. Artists that ask for critique want critique not criticism. Remember when you were little and your parents or teachers told you that if you couldn’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all? I and many other deviants would probably agree that this would be a good rule of thumb. And don’t forget, that inspiration can be found in unlikely places, even if only to confirm your views.