Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A Word About Criticism

First off, I want to apologize to folks who visit my space because of the visuals as today's post has no pictures. I also want to thank all of you who stop in here, whether you let me know you're there or not, because time is precious and I appreciate you giving me and my work some of your time and attention.

I've been reluctant to bring this topic up because it's something that, as a person who puts my work in the public eye, I feel I should accept as part of my job. On the other hand, I put an amazing amount of effort, time, and sometimes even sweat into the things I craft that when I'm harshly criticized, I feel hurt and discouraged. By criticism I don't mean someone stating that my work doesn't appeal to them or that they don't feel inspired by the items I create. I think that is totally legitimate and a matter of taste and preference. I realize that I don't design what could be described as traditional quilts and that might not appeal to a lot of folks. I also don't craft one-of-a-kind fiber art, so those people might also be turned off by my work.
What bothers me is when, in the anonymity of the internet(and it is anonymous even if you include your name because the internet is so vast), my work is vilified to the point that I am chastised for even putting it out there.
As I previously stated, criticism comes with the territory. Hell, it comes with just being human, but criticism that has a venomous tone is a lot harder to take and, frankly, unwarranted. 
Blog posts like this and book reviews like this:

Wow! Was I ever disappointed in this book. A waste of money. I cannot believe that it states that the author has been in juried shows! Who was she competing with? 2nd graders who had never used a sewing machine before. Her stitching is abhorent and I cannot believe that the publishers allowed this to be published. She uses crappy thread, which creates tension problems on it's own, combined with some real tension problems and no idea of how to top stitch accurately and you have the recipe for homemade disasters. She cloaks her sewing tips in phrases like "improvisational" for all of the mistakes. I sew for precision and hope that none of my projects ever look homemade vs handmade. If I received one of her projects as a gift I would put it directly into my donation bag. If you want to take your sewing to the next level and are looking for inspiration this is not the book for you. Shame on the author and publisher for allowing this to be printed. It is a hot mess!! 

I've actually known about that blog post for a while, but thought I'd rise above it and just ignore it, but reading this Amazon customer review of my book this morning made me feel like I wanted to say something.
I am proud of the work I do, the designs I create, and attention to craftsmanship I put into the items I sew. I am also proud to embrace a certain improvisational quality in my work. I know how to square an edge and I have the tools to do so, but I actually like the happenstance and raw energy that's created when edges are left un-squared. I have been sewing and/or quilting for almost 20 years and, though I hope to always seek out new and innovative techniques and materials as well as improve my skills, I have gained a lot of knowledge and expertise from my years of crafting. I am open to constructive criticism and questions that are put forth in the spirit of collaborative learning, but this is not criticism. It's derision. I am also open to anyone just plain not liking what I make. I don't like everything I see others make, but there's a vast difference between saying this doesn't appeal to me and the only way this work could ever receive any recognition is if I was competing with non-sewing 2nd graders. The former is a genuine opinion stated respectfully and the latter is...not.
If this was a phenomena exclusive to me or my work then I think the issue wouldn't merit bringing up, but I see it all over the internet. And the issue isn't whether or not you like a something, but how you state your opinion and whether you've considered the time and effort that went into the creation of that something before you spew forth vitriol rather than an honestly felt and respectful assessment.
I hope that having published two books and written a blog and designed for other publications, I've learned how to frame my criticism of other people's work so that it comes from a good place. I know damn sure that, having sat on this side of the aisle, I now take the time to write a positive review or add an encouraging comment or, if my opinion isn't quite so positive, temper my criticism so it's helpful not hurtful.
To those of you who've taken the time to let me know that you enjoy my work I say thank you so much.  For me, it's always been about the conversation, so thanks for your time and thoughts.

215 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 215 of 215
PeregrineBlue said...

it's as simple as that most people are unable ti think outside the BOX. remember the song little boxes by pete seeger? that's the kind of world we live in so be proud of your difference, you stimulate to think outside those boxes made of ticky tacky, little boxes all the same.

nova said...

We live in a culture of criticism, I think. As a person who is interested in many crafts, I tend to find merit in all work, whether it appeals to me on a personal level or not so I find the people who are scathingly harsh in their assessment of other's work perplexing.

As a consumer of quilt books, I think yours is well-written, the porjects fun and original, and quite frankly, approachable. I recently looked at twenty or so quilt books (traditional and contemporary in nature) and I thought yours was the most compelling of those recently published.

While these hyper-critical remarks from the anonymous ether can be upsetting, I hope that you don't let it bring you down.

cathy gaubert said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
cathy gaubert said...

oh, malka! as i sit here typing this, i am holding your gorgeous cupcake doll quilt on my lap. how anyone can look at your work (and this quilt!) and not see joy, beauty, and a spirit of adventure + whimsy is beyond my understanding. in fact, when i have to pack these little quilties up to go back to their creators, i think that i will have a very rough time of it!!
your outlook on criticism (constructive and otherwise) is inspiring to me, and i will admit that it scares the bejesus out of me that i will be facing this too when my book is out in november.
the blog author and reviewer may indeed have some valid points (even though i don't share the same opinions), but those are rendered much less legitimate once the whole post/review is read.
is it really that difficult to let kindness guide us in all things? and really, as others have said before, if you would not say this exact thing to a person's face, should you really type it and hit return?
xoxo
(sorry i had to delete the first comment...dang typos!)

Marci Girl said...

Constructive criticism is one thing...I welcome that, but that blog post/review was just an opinion, and you know what they say "opinions are like ***holes, everyone has one!" That being said, I was interested in your book, had it in my cart, then read that review....oh wait...do I want this book? So I hesitated...then I read the last line "This is a hot mess." Wait what...I thought a hot mess was a good thing, I've been called a hot mess plenty of times, crap...I guess it was a bad thing and I thought it was good. Needless to say...your book is in my cart on Amazon (I will purchase it) and now I'm a new blog follower! So if anything that bad review actually made me want it! Hot mess...YES I AM! Thank you. Congrats on having your book published!

Kate from Kinda Crunchy Kate blog said...

I'm a little late, but I just wanted to chime in with some encouragement for you. I have been so inspired by your quilts and their colors. I just got your newest book for my birthday a few days ago and have been poring over the way you integrate color, texture, and pattern.So beautiful! Ever since I came across a picture one of your Twinkle quilts, I have been a huge fan of your work. Just wanted to encourage you! Keep up the good working and inspiring creations!

Amanda Jean said...

Oh, Malka! I'm so sorry you have to deal with this! there does seem to be a great deal of judgement and criticism going on in blog land right now. I'm downright tired of it.

I admire your work. you are inspiring. Keep on doing what you do so well!

Diane Bohn said...

Oh, I am so sorry! I just stumbled upon your blog from Stitched in Colors Pillow Party page where it said you were the judge this month. When I saw what your newest book was I about jumped out of my seat... I literally just ordered it not more than 3 min. ago! And I am really excited for it!
I am so sorry for the harsh comments... as my husband puts it, some people just don't have a brain-mouth filter. It seems to me that people like that, that say things like that, have a problem with themselves and not with whomever they are directing their comments to. I know how discouraging others words can be, and I hope you keep creating wonderful projects! :) I can't wait to explore your blog some more. :)

Kathreen Ricketson said...

Hi Malka.
I thought about emailing you - but instead I will add my voice to the other comments here.

I have come across mean spirited criticism it in my own work (and on Amazon reviews too!) And I fumed for a while then let it go. Because I have come to the conclusion that those people are the ones who have not published a book, do not have a blog or website where they put their work out there, they don't create their own designs or techniques or create tutorials for the benefit of others.

Instead they are stuck in the past or not even in the past (because the past is not perfect - our grandmothers and great grandmothers were great recyclers and re-users and am sure they did not fuss over perfect seams all the time) - they are stuck in a mythical world where uptight quilt show perfect is everything - it might have a place, but it is not for everyone, not for the regular people who want to just get on to the business of making things and having fun and experimenting and discovering the joy of creating.

And that Malka is what you are giving people - you are teaching and giving the gift of discovery to so many people. So keep up the good work and good for you for doing what you do. So many people appreciate and love and understand your work - so keep at it - it is important.

Kimberly White said...

I just wanted to say that I just splurged and bought your fresh quilting book. I am so very inspired and already want to make the zigzag pillow, a quilt with strings, Nates quilt and the ABC baby book right away! I have had it for about a week and steal moments each day just to drool over your beautiful projects and read your instructions. Thank you for putting yourself out there and writing this book!
PS. I'm sorry that you have been so viciously attacked.

Jamie and Shane said...

Amen, sister...Amen. I just bought your book, and not theirs. Oh, wait a minute...THEY don't HAVE a book. Hmph. 'Nuff said.
(ps. Love your book, and can't wait to use it!)

MJ said...

I just ordered fabric to make your fish baby log cabin. I find your work inspirational and hope that you will continue to ignore the critics and just keep doing what your doing

Anonymous said...

I am seeing your blog for the first time today and I love your style-- it's so intriguing, requires a second glance, is interesting and fresh. Somehow I stumbled upon this post, and it kind of upset me. I don't even know you, I haven't seen your blog before, and those criticisms offended me!!! How dare people!? I truly believe that while the word "art" is technically definable, the "quality" of art is NOT. Anyone who has that kind of time to criticize should really shut-up and invest that time into "their art" instead. Your work is STUNNING, I love it, and I'll be back to see more of it. Your post was so diplomatic, and came from such a good place-- I'm impressed!

~robin, welchrobin@hotmail.com

Jules said...

Malka, i hope this counts!, but i was drawn to quilting this year 2011. Through the work of you, elizabeth hartman, and a bunch of others, the list is now a mile long!. And i purchased your book. I had never heard of this other blogger before i read what she posted today, and i won't be following her for any kind of inspiration thats for certain. some people are just mean spirited. so carry on!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I just came across this and felt compelled to comment. A friend of mine, who is a traditional quilter and very precise, made some of the same comments about modern quilters. Rather than disparage her work, I understand where her point of view comes from. Many quilters spend years perfecting the craft of quilting. Now, many of us would probably not call what she does "art." And that is fine. But these people don't understand how a book with what they call "sloppy" work would get published. For me, I embrace that one picture has a thread hanging off of it. It gives me, a relative beginner, the courage to continue to sew, even if it is not perfect. But you all can't deny that there is some "imperfect" work in the pictures that are in the book. To deny that is to deny reality. Is that bad?? Not in my book. But rather than be insulted, perhaps try to see it from their point of view. It is like critics who hated the "newer" nontraditional art. It's new, unfamiliar, pushing the boundaries of what is considered quilts, and exciting!!! Not everyone is going to like that, and they will see it as 2nd grade work, just as modern painting is disparaged. But never be defensive about it - it is your own voice, it is bright and full of life, and some will not like it. And that's ok, even if they are harsh in their opinions.

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 215 of 215   Newer› Newest»