A wonderful afternoon

Today I attended a critique session sponsored by the Manitoba Crafts Council.  The current exhibition in their gallery is a members' show, without a jury process, but with a size restriction--max 12" by 12".  Anyone with a piece in the exhibition could apply for one of the places in the critique process, which was lead by a professor from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Fine Art.  Several years ago I attended one of these sessions as an observer, last year as a participant, and this year as a participant.  While they are open to the public, and the gallery was open during the event, there was really no public participation.

Unfortunately, this year there were only 4 artists who had applied for a position.  But this meant that each of us had a full half hour of discussion around their piece.  There was a potter, a needle and wet felter/fused glass artist, a mixed media artist, and myself with a fibre piece.  We each started by introducing our self, and then explaining the motivation, intent, and techniques of the piece.  Questions from any one were encouraged, and answered.  But often discussion went to how we educate ourselves as artists, how we find inspiration, each of our individual artistic journeys, and where we see our work heading.  

Finding out the depth of thought that went into each piece, was an unforgettable experience.  Realizing the commonalities in each of our journeys promoted a real bond between us. If ever I am offered a chance like this again it will be taken, without question.

I may link this with Lisa, Marie Sayre's Off the Wall Friday, and The Needle and Thread Network.