...has been thrown down. And I feel compelled to pick it up.
A college moderator came to the ceramics class today, puffed up with her own self-importance. In the manner of the head of a government quango she extolled the virtues of the course over which she presides. She cut a figure not disimilar to Dolores Umbridge in physique and disposition. Sickly sweet unnervingly familiar.
"Oh yes she said your work is wonderful way in advance of this level two class. But not quite up to the standard of a level three, (almost equivalent to an A level!)".
There were palpable intakes of breath from fellow students around me. This comment came not long after my ceramics tutor of 18 years experience was humbling me with arguments in favour of exhibiting and getting commissions for my work.
Anyone who knows me would realise that I am my own worse critic and feel humble to the point of embarrassment when my work is praised. But this was like receiving a stiletto to the heart.
I am done with appraisals and seeking validation. Let the public be the judge jury and excecutioner. Theirs are the opinions that count.
A college moderator came to the ceramics class today, puffed up with her own self-importance. In the manner of the head of a government quango she extolled the virtues of the course over which she presides. She cut a figure not disimilar to Dolores Umbridge in physique and disposition. Sickly sweet unnervingly familiar.
"Oh yes she said your work is wonderful way in advance of this level two class. But not quite up to the standard of a level three, (almost equivalent to an A level!)".
There were palpable intakes of breath from fellow students around me. This comment came not long after my ceramics tutor of 18 years experience was humbling me with arguments in favour of exhibiting and getting commissions for my work.
Anyone who knows me would realise that I am my own worse critic and feel humble to the point of embarrassment when my work is praised. But this was like receiving a stiletto to the heart.
I am done with appraisals and seeking validation. Let the public be the judge jury and excecutioner. Theirs are the opinions that count.
Comments
I think this particular person struck a chord in me because I have had to suffer a great deal of negativity from people in Education. I have also received alot of encouragement too but for some reason the bad stuff seems to stick.
My father dealt me the biggest blow when I was in my first year of primary school. I showed him my first ever piece of glazed sculpture and he told me it was rubbish!
I've really got the fire in my belly now:¬)
Bob
Chris, the sharp intakes of breath IN RESPONSE to her comments tell you much more about the quality of your work than the comments themselves!
Yep - let your ceramics tutor, the people who will be buying and commissioning your work, and the people who've been working alongside you be your judge.
That's if you really need a judge!
Hi Cathy, I hope when I get a bigger body of work behind me that I can let that do the talking for me. But at the moment I feel a bit of a fledgling. Thanks for dropping by and making your nice comment:¬)
Hope the New Year is a prosperous one!
Take care mate!
Goth abd the Gothettes