J Kuivenhoven Chapter One

The underlying idea for the reading was how art can be discussed formally in critiques. The authors discuss just about every aspect related to painting in the handbook. Towards the end of chapter one the authors go into all the different aspects related to sculpture.

The handbook is very through going into every detail you could possibly need to know when discussing art during a critique. The approach is given in a way that someone who knows a little bit about art would feel comfortable reading this handbook. While on the other hand a beginner would become a little bit lost on some of the terms not fully explained. An advanced artist would find the information redundant and elementary in approach.

The section praise and complaints is a good example of what conversations in a critique can be like. They are also great examples of how to loose friends and could be modified in order to build the thick skin a more advanced artist has built up over time. It feels like the handbook is geared for the beginner artist meaning that some of the advice they give is not appropriate for the level in my view.

Mostly the handbook sticks to the formal elements of art and how to critique a painting. Only near the end of the first chapter does the authors talk about how to critique a sculpture. They do mention some interesting aspects of sculpture that don't seem to really related with the rest of the handbook. Some of these selections include steel rods, glue, and room within a room. The room within a room is probably just a term that doesn't get applied much here at SJSU.

As far as questions go for the handbook reading, none have popped up so far. I am quite familiar with all that has been said in the handbook. Yet, it was nice to re-read all those art elements if only to be re-reminded of them. My favorite section of the handbook was about including the pedestal as part of the art piece which is a challenge I am currently facing for my BFA show next month.

My work is content driven so the handbook has not given me a whole lot to go off on as far as idea go. I like to think that I would keep all of these key elements in mind when I do create my sculptures. But the handbook has not been the cause of inspiration so for for my work.