What is critique?

A dictionary definition is easy enough to find, however I often find that people's interpretations of things are always so much more interesting, especially when you have the kind of pool to draw from that the internet provides.

I spent a few years of my life training in the visual arts fairly rigorously, and to me 'critique' means something based on that context. But it's not the only context.

Care to share your thoughts on critique? What is it? Why is it important? How do you do it? When is the best time for it? Who can provide it? Where is the best forum for it?

[Kevin Jones]

I take a more positive view than Webster's definition:
Critique : an act of criticizing; especially : a critical estimate or discussion <a critique of the poet's work>

I see it as an opportunity to help someone progress and improve on their work.
In my opinion the best critique not only offers critical analysis but offers positive as well. And gives clear examples to support opinion and suggestions.

I really enjoy forum knife critiques. I usually find the maker's responses as interesting as the critique itself. One can often learn as much (or more) about the maker as the knife he/she has presented for critique.

We have to keep in mind though we are judging a knife from a photo and responses are not statements of what's right and what's wrong with a knife, but more individual opinions and preferences. I feel a maker can definitely benefit if he/she has the right attitude and the responses makes them think, "what if"?

If someone askes me to look at their knife, I will and say something nice like "That's a nice knife".

If they asked me to CRITIQUE their knife, then they need to be prepared for what they might hear even though it should be done with tact and a positive outcome as a goal.

As a rule, critique should be requested, however sometimes it might be appropriate unsolicited. Lin

[jerry fisk]

If someone shows me a knife I will tell them I like it, which I do, I like most all knives. To critique I must be asked directly or I won't do it. You have to be up front and honest with them.
You cannot give a good critique from a photograph as it shows only one dimension. I normally do not give a full critique on pictures only, unless I know the person anyway and certainly only when directly asked.

This iis a good place to show and ask.

[Jerry Manuel]

I've never cared much for critique and therefore made very few comments on this thread . Whether a guard may be a little short or long, or a handle the same, shape of a blade, or style etc, would strickly be a personal opinion or prefence on my part and doesn't mean my opinion would be a correct one - Jerry

[Bob Betzner]

I subscribe to the philosophy that if you aren't going to say something nice, don't say anything at all. The only rare exception is when someone is really asking for it - in which case that person should be prepared for the worst and gird his/her loins accordingly. And even then, it's usually best to be silent rather than critical, at least for me. I find it difficult, sometimes, to get past personal preferences and personal prejudices with respect to something about a knife or a maker - the subconscious can rule one's thoughts - so for me, I try to sideline myself.

Bob Betzner

EDIT: How true about really wanting to see/hold the knife before commenting on it, Jerry. There's only so much that pic's can tell you.

[jerry fisk]

Jerry and Bob, yeah that is a hard thing to do, keeping your personal opinions seperate. Thats something I had to train myself to do. In the MS judging room, you have friends that go for it, some of them you really want them to get it. In the end when you are asked to critique you are doing a deservice if you do not be open about it. I have lost people I called friends in that room but I also sleep well at night knowing that I was honest with the critique.

Certain you make sure you let them know what is good, but just as certain you let them know where it is down at. Only by holding it in your hand. A photograph can give you an idea on general design but that is about all it gives me.

Critique is not just where you bash someone over the head and tell him he is not doing it right. A good critique should let the person know where he needs to improve at the same time encouraging to him to take that next step.

Originally Posted by jerry fisk

Critique is not just where you bash someone over the head and tell him he is not doing it right. A good critique should let the person know where he needs to improve at the same time encouraging to him to take that next step.

...........

[Jerry Manuel]

Jerry - Agreed, I see where critique has its place . For example, where it be in judging as you mentioned in your post or a young maker wanting a seasoned maker to critique his work, or even a collector giving their opinion, etc. I'm not against it, just not comfortable doing it - Jerry

one doesn't need to be an expert in order to perform critique, one must only be open minded to the intentions of the artist, and care enough to provide comment.

Jerry M, you've performed critique in this forum, and I feel that your input was valuable. Practice makes perfect!