I get it too, and I've had similar experiences as an artist. As a writer, though, I think you get into weird territory if you think of the artist as your audience, rather than the readers.
Thanks for your comments. I guess I knew it could happen, just had never heard someone say it before. I also still agree that criticism should be aimed at the reader, not the artist... but if it's helpful to the artist too, so be it!
My reason for posting this video is that Marshall makes a point I have never heard someone utter before—namely that receiving a slightly critical review was the best thing that ever happened to him. (The review, as he explains, was by the LA Times' now-retired arts reporter Suzanne Muchnic; as a point of interest, in 1981, another artist responded much less graciously to Muchnic's criticism by dumping 10 tons of horse manure in front of the Times' main entrance.)
I don't expect all critical reviews to have as much positive impact as this--far from it. And I don't presume to replicate Muchnic's sensitivity in my own work. Nonetheless, it's nice to know these positive impacts of journalistic criticism can happen, and be acknowledged. The relevant story runs from around 1:09 to 3:30.
""That Critical Review that Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me": True Story from Kerry James Marshall"
6 Comments -
I get that. There have been reviews that made me wince because the writer put a finger on a problem I suspected was there in my work.
May 4, 2010 at 12:56 AM
I get it too, and I've had similar experiences as an artist. As a writer, though, I think you get into weird territory if you think of the artist as your audience, rather than the readers.
May 4, 2010 at 11:24 AM
Hey guys,
Thanks for your comments. I guess I knew it could happen, just had never heard someone say it before. I also still agree that criticism should be aimed at the reader, not the artist... but if it's helpful to the artist too, so be it!
May 4, 2010 at 12:24 PM
I with you Leah. It's pretty refreshing thing to hear!
May 4, 2010 at 2:10 PM
You guys talk like artists can't read!
May 4, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Ha! Anonymous, point taken.
May 4, 2010 at 4:53 PM