Laughing at the Critics

 

Laughing at the Critics

by Sara Penny, CCAC Vice President 

Sometimes laughing at the critics is the only healthy response. Any artist dreads that moment when they share their work and wait for the response.  It can be helpful by coming from a place of caring or it can be hurtful by coming from a place of scorn.

The trick is to separate the valuable comments from the chaff.  If the criticism is helpful and moves your work to a stronger place then it is worth considering. If it is negative with no redeeming value then it is to be discarded quickly and completely in the hyperfast "Let it Go" mode.

Trevor Rozenberg suggests looking at one star reviews to get some perspective on criticism. This is a classic on the magnificent Grand Canyon, “Too big. Just a hole in the ground. Not enough benches.” My son thinks this may have been an English person who is used to green landscapes and lots of benches along the trail. It makes me laugh about an entirely different perspective of a place that I love.

Another hilarious one star review is about Yosemite, "Trees block views and too many grey rocks."  This is in the "what did you expect" category.

When I judge for the local String Festival I try to give two positive comments to every suggestion. Children who perform from a young age and receive written comments develop resiliency, which is especially valuable in the middle and high school ages.  Teachers and parents can help the students implement the useful suggestions and discard the comments that are not useful.  

You might think that there is not a lot to say about a one minute violin piece, but there are many facets to any performance.  Even a four year old knows that posture and the bow hand matter.  Straight bows, clear tone, accurate intonation, and so much more are involved in the performance.  

The students also know that if they keep performing for many years they can accumulate several Gold Cup trophies to celebrate their achievements. Registration is now open for the Southern Utah String Festival at https://www.southernutahstringfestival.org. The Festival is held March 1 with students coming from throughout Southern Utah and some participating from around the country with the online option.

I am thankful to Marin Colby and her team for continuing to offer this opportunity for our local students to receive valuable feedback and performance opportunities.

Whether it is sharing a new book, a painting, or a dance the artist has to be vulnerable and willing to be open to criticism. The idea has been translated into an artform and the feedback is part of the artistic process.  This is one of the benefits of participating in the arts.  Learning how to communicate through art and being brave enough to share your art are valuable. Risking the criticism, embracing what is helpful, and discarding the rest is part of the process. This is a path of artistic growth.

So when you get those inevitable "one star reviews" remember to laugh because seriously, that is the best response. 

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Longer article published in the Suzuki Association of Americas magazine for Canada, U.S. and South America in Spring 2025 edition.