Today I received some valuable feedback on a project I've begun. Given that the project is not completed, the critique was more about the process. The advice was helpful nonetheless, and here are some take-aways:
- Realize what drives your work (process or product) and delve more into that; these are important elements of the work.
- Research not only the historical context of the particular subject matter, but also the origins of it...the "why."
- Don't make the expression of your personal identity or your process of self-discovery the central focus of the work. What makes you "you" will always be entwined in the work, regardless. Your own self-discoveries will happen, regardless. So take them away from the spotlight as you work through things outside of yourself. Greater themes, questions, and dialogue will arise.