The other day, I had a great conversation with friends, one of whom has been attending a ceramics class with my husband. They spoke with such excitement about discovering this new passion and were amazed by what they had already created. At one point, someone offered a suggestion for improving a piece. The response was simple but bold: "It's my work, and I'll do it the way I want to."
Among the four of us, three had been to art school and knew firsthand the value of critique. We all agreed that constructive input, when approached with the right mindset, is invaluable for moving work forward. It’s not criticism—it’s an opportunity for growth.
This conversation made me reflect on a recent experience where someone shared an unsolicited opinion about my work. They said one piece looked "overworked" and initially disliked the form of another, though they later admitted it grew on them. I'll be honest—those comments stung. I wasn't sure which pieces they meant and felt caught off guard, unable to articulate my perspective. Part of me wanted to shout, "It’s my work, and I'll do it my way!"
But here’s what I’ve come to realise: feeling defensive when opinions are offered is natural. In art school, critiques are structured and expected, even if nerve-wracking. In the real world, input often comes uninvited, which can feel much tougher.
Still, there are two important lessons I’ve taken from this. First, I need to stand confidently by my work—believe in it fully. Sometimes, you should say, "This is my work, and I stand by it." But equally, it’s important to listen and ask: Is there something valuable here? Can I learn from this?
As I continue my journey to becoming a great ceramic artist, I know I’ll encounter plenty of suggestions and opinions—both invited and uninvited. But I’m ready for it. I’ll stand tall, trust my instincts, and keep learning every step of the way.
Comments