I continue to find group feedback a challenging part of my practice. Much of my work develops from personal experience, memory and emotions, and I do not always feel comfortable sharing unfinished ideas in a large or relatively anonymous group environment. I have realised that this is not because I am unwilling to receive criticism or different opinions, but because I value meaningful dialogue rather than simply collecting comments.
I find one-to-one conversations or smaller discussions more useful, particularly when there is an opportunity to explain ideas, listen to another person’s interpretation and continue the conversation. Feedback becomes more valuable to me when it helps me see something in my work that I had not considered myself, rather than telling me whether the work is successful or unsuccessful.
My tutor’s feedback has encouraged me to continue looking for ways of discussing my work beyond our one-to-one tutorials. I understand that, particularly at Stage 3, my practice needs to exist in conversation with other people. I would therefore like to approach this gradually, using smaller peer discussions, sharing sessions, or conversations with people inside and outside OCA where appropriate.
I am beginning to understand that other people do not need to share my experiences in order to connect with my work. Their different interpretations can sometimes help me understand how the work communicates once it leaves my own personal context.
Alexander's blog 