Eternal Stirrings

I promised a while back to tend to the homestead so my mum could escape for a little vacation. The task entails tending to 16 English mastiffs, aka very big dogs. On top of the oozy ladelfuls of drool, it's also been pouring all weekend and Ive spent all day, everyday, running back and forth tending to the pack. My helper, for lack of a better word, also managed to leave the back door (and inner gate) open when two of our alpha dogs were outside and one young male was inside and got out. The older alpha male is very territorial..and by only a stroke of luck (after having just sat down for a 5 minute break to have a cup of joe), I heard the telltale sounds of a fight outside...thank goodness I had my window open otherwise I wouldn't have even heard.

I tend to take for granted how big and powerful these dogs are because I grew up with big dogs (these three are right around 200lbs each).. But you quickly realize their massive strength when you are trying to pull apart a brutal dog fight. For the most part the damage was minimal, despite all the teeth snapping, thrashing and noise they made, but the young inexperienced male walked away with some pretty nasty gashes to his ears..which I managed to patch up (and spending the weekend now cleaning and disinfecting the wounds every few hours..and also put him on antibiotics just in case).

I don't envy my mom's choice of lifestyle. It is a brutal amount of work to balance taking care of all these dogs and giving them the individual attention they need (and it isn't even her day job, as it were!). I'm happy to help give her a break..but goodness, I'll be happy when she is back!

So in anycase, to take my mind off all the crazyness at the homestead, and because I can't get anything substantial done between my duty jaunts, I just figured I'd post some random stuff.

Ive been seeing some friends getting new computers fairly recently and some have posted pics of their new beasties. I also decided to build a new computer, finally, as a christmas gift to myself. My old machine was 4 years old and photoshop was just a giant ball of lag so it was as much a necessity as it was a desire for a new toy. Well I was fairly picky about choosing a case and if I had my way I would just design my own. But I finally found one I absolutely fell in love with for it's clean lines and elegant simplicity. So below I bombard you with pics of my new beastie. Thank you to bagheera for helping bring her to life..

( I called her Simoom..and she is fierce as the wind for which she is named )
That is all! Phew, that helped my sanity a bit I think!

OOOh I never post any deeper machinations here, so why not? I'll give this a go!
So for a topic, how about constructive criticism for the artist? This is a topic I have thought about on off and on, usually after seeing an ill placed/written critique labeled as 'constructive' on someone else's art. Now this may seem obvious to a lot of people, but hopefully gives a few folks out there some food for thought all the same!

First, there are two main points to be made on the nature and place of constructive criticism and here they are.

1.All artists should seek to better themselves:

Alright, well on the surface that assumption seems to make sense. Why not? After all, if you are the sort of artist who is trying to make a name for yourself or carve out a spot in whatever professional industry you desire, then this is just the right philosophy to have if not the most important one to have.

But what if that's not what your art is to you? Perhaps bettering your skills is not your priority when you set out to create. Is there anything inherently wrong with this mentality? No. If your goal of art is merely pure self expression with no other definitive end goal, ie your hobby. Say you already have your dream job and art is your way to unwind and posting it up in a public gallery helps make the whole experience all the more pleasant. I say all the more power to you.

This is just something to keep in mind when you write constructive criticism for someone, or at least it is something I keep in mind. Not all artists are the same, we don't all create with the same goals in mind, so when some folks discourage critique, maybe their reasons are completely benign and they are simply there to share their work.

2. All constructive Criticism is created equally:

This is something I see quite a bit in galleries. Someone will make an attempt at a constructive criticism, and often the delivery method is rather blunt and cold, and the receiving artist will be upset by said critique. The goal of the criticizer is usually with all the best intentions in mind, so of course they feel upset when the receiving artist seems to throw that critique they tried so hard to write back in their face. So they say something along the lines of: "Well if you want to improve, you should learn to hear the plain truth about your art".

Alright, well that has some sound logic to it. Nobody will improve if they are constantly mollycoddled. But does that mean there is only one formula to writing critique and that is "straight to the Achilles heel!" ? In my opinion, no.

But, I should further subdivide things here a bit more. Some people DO thrive from constructive criticism that just tells things straight with no buffer fluff. In those cases, your critique is absolutely constructive, because after all they will utilize the concrit to better the piece. That is the very essence of constructive criticism. But another person may find such a method of delivery disheartening and instead of nudging them to improve the piece, the criticism only makes them shy away. In those cases, your criticism, however well meaning it was, is no longer constructive. The very aim of giving 'concrit', to shorten the terminology, is to help an artist better a piece of work they created.

In short, not all criticism is constructive if it falls on deaf ears, so to speak. And in the end, you are wasting your own valuable time writing these well thought out criticisms when thwey will be shrugged off or leave a sting. I should think it is in your own best interest to take a little care and thought on the best method of delivery so you will actually be heard and your time and effort appreciated.

A blunt edged critique that just points out all the stark negative aspects of a piece without countering it with some good, can make you feel rather small. No one likes the feeling of being talked down at and imo, that's just what a lot of critique feels like. I also like the philosophy of, write only what you would say to the person's face an idea that is often lost when dealing with people as a person protected by the anonymity of the internet. Chances are you would soften the blow a bit if you were speaking to the person face to face, so why not do the same online? Oh I'm not saying make the critique a tower of compliments before placing the criticism in the very tippy top of the radiant tower, but surely there are some good things about the piece you can find to say to show them, 'hey you did good', before telling them 'but this is what would make it better!'

So Let's make a few more points then, after I obviously poopoo'd all those noble hearted concriters ;D!

3. Growing a thicker skin: Hey that ain't easy!

Just as I believe we should be considerate of how we deliver constructive criticism, the flip side of the coin is also learning to accept (or tolerate at least!) constructive criticism, even if it was not delivered in the best of fashions. If you share your work in a public forum, do not expect every comment to be one patting you on the back for your wonderful accomplishment. Even if your goal is not to revolutionize the art world as a whole with your art, not everyone will know that. Just keep in mind that if they took the time to say something in depth, they were likely trying to help you and not knock you down a peg. And if it still bothers you, step away and take a deep breath before commenting back, if commenting back at all. I understand the creative process is a deeply personal one, often interwoven directly with our emotions...but honestly most criticism is not an attack on you or your art.

In other words, both sides should be considerate of each other!

4. Constructive Criticism: That there leg is wonky.

AAhh well here we are at the biggest rub at last. Someone leaves a lovely comment on your work consisting of a few short words. "That leg is wonky!"..and you reply "How is that even helpful?" and they reply "Im giving constructive criticism you snob you cant even take it you should get out of the art world" (punctuation ommitted for effect).

These sorts of comments drive me bonkers, and in my youthful days, my eyes would bulge, teeth gnash and I would ride in valiantly with my counter-comment banner waving! And then I learned my lesson.

Some people simply don't know how to deliver a constructive criticism. So, you ask, what is a good 'constructive criticism' composed of then?!

WELL, let me fill you in. (this is my opinion of course!)

A well thought out politely worded commentary that consists of the following:

a. Things that are solid about a piece, name at least one, it can't be hard and it starts you off on the right foot with the artist. Chances are they are less likely to tune out if you say something good about the piece before jumping straight into the criticism. And for that matter, if you are giving constructive crit, surely you thought that the piece was worthwhile enough in the first place for you to spend your time helping the artist make it even better...so why not name a reason or two that do make it worthwhile?!

b. There's something wrong here: Point out the elements of the piece that could use some improvement. (You may want to start off with only a few criticisms, and if the artist is appreciative of your input, add a few more, and again try to counter it with maybe another strong point of the piece.)

c. Follow that up with suggestions or reasons that those things need work. Telling them the head looks weird does not really give them anything to go on does it?! And if you suggest something that needs work, offer up a suggestion of how they could make it work better. IE: "Maybe if you brought more light into the foreground, the characters would stand out more from the background."

That's really it. Constructive Criticism is a two way road but sometimes people seem to treat it as a one way road. But taking a little time to be considerate of the people going the other way makes for a far more pleasant trip for everyone involved!

~~~~~~~
So I think I will stop there as I'm sure it's already TLDR. I welcome input and a difference of opinion. I just wanted to share some of my thoughts on the matter of constructive crit!

COS-mos
Into the whisper of open deep, between the wisp and stalk of light, twisting pulling pushing waning. Wander singing light and weeping dark, clouds of golden immolation reaching into eternal sight. In the cerelean eye, on the horizon's curve, leaning into the deepest embrace.


~~
A musing on space from the glory of earth-scape.

As some of you may know I've had a helping hand in putting together the Werewolf calendar for the past few years, something I've thoroughly enjoyed and felt humbled to be a part of. But to cut to the quick, both Myenia and I have been discussing trying to involve more of the artist community, because after all we just can't feature every artist out there who has a passion for drawing werewolves. So we are holding a contest for an official feature in the now 4th run of this calendar.

We do strive to make an effort to rotate artists each year and give both new faces and already established werewolf artists a chance to participate in the calendar and share their vision of the werewolf with our audience. This, however, still leaves out a looot of people and we wish for everyone to have a go at this and to share their werewolf passion on a public forum with other werewolf enthusiasts. That is to say all the art will also be featured on the website for everyone to see.

( Below is more contest info for anyone interested! )

Thank you to everyone who has supported the project so far, we are happy to be able to bring back the calendar year after year!

I came Across this anime unintentionally while flipping through tv channels and it simply absorbed me in. The anime 'Memories' is a film that consists of 3 unrelated episodes, each is written and presented in a rather enigmatic format. Of these three Magnetic Rose was my favorite and so I wish to share it with you. (It is divided into 5 parts on youtube) I also rather liked the stylization of Cannon Fodder(the third episode), which would be of particular interest to you folks that like unique art styles!


Part2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVQFLgd8ZSc&feature=related
Part3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVkSDsq2U4w&feature=related
Part4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4sI4oizVcQ&feature=related
Part5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CljGr63NeA&feature=related

And if you are interested in cannon Fodder:

As promised, posting a tiny snippet of writing whilst holding my breath about doing so! Just a little something about a desert leopardess.

Simoom

mantle of snow kissed cool by moon
silk sable rosettes painted pristinely
eyes of ancient amber
burning through the night
She is present and she is perfect
as the folds in windswept sand
parched of rain
quiet but untamed
and later
hot and burning
beneath the milky snow mantle
and smooth sheet of silk sable rosettes.

I still lurk on lj, but it seems as time goes on I post less..share less of myself. I think I feel selfish to share myself, my stories in art or words as many others have more interesting stories that ought to be heard before my own.

But maybe this is just a silly way to think. So I wonder..

I occasionally write for myself..usually things I never share with anyone, mostly because I think them cheesy but still deeply personal. I think there is a fragile part of my ego that will always remain. I know it is silly to worry about what others think, but the thought of someone laughing at something that..however silly it may seem to them, still means something to me really bothers me. On the other hand I feel disconnected and distant from things when I don't share my creations. In many ways just the act of sharing is motivation to continue creating. To open up your vulnerability to the world, and imo creations can be just that, is exhilarating in itself. It's like leaping with your eyes closed and not knowing just where you will land..it's exciting. And at the core of the desire to continue creating is a need for this fuel, to stay excited enough to continue creating...well imho anyway.

SO enough rambling, I wish to make an effort to start sharing more again and being less of a recluse. And to the meat of the matter, would anyone be interested or adverse to seeing me post personal writings? Most of these are just short prose I write at random moments but also sometimes short stories.

I miss ya guys, genuinely! The longer I am away the more I realize how much all you folks feed into my drive to create. That does not mean it is your job or obligation to pat me on the back or feed me compliments. Just knowing you stopped by and looked..or read..or even just glanced is more than enough for me.

originally courtesy of nimirpard. For all the design geeks, photoshop users and general font enthusiasts....



..entirely too amused by this.

Just a heads up for anyone who held off ordering a werewolf calendar, the pre-sales will be closing in just under a week. There may be a small number of extra calendars printed for resale after the pre-orders close but in years prior these have gone in a matter of days. So if you would like one for yourself or as a holiday gift to someone special, now is the time to get one!

We are extremely excited by this years edition and the amount of talent packed into the calendar and hope in turn you will too. After all this calendar would not continue on without your wonderful and continuous support! Thank you to all of you that have supported this project or helped spread the word!




To read more about the calendar visit: Werewolf Calendar website
To purchase your own copy instantly via paypal: Purchase Page

This year's participating artists are:
Balaa, Dark Natasha, Goldenwolf, Khaosdog, Loba North, Myenia, Rayndancer, Synnabar, Therese Larsson, Thornwolf, Vantid, Zakka, Zowolf

( to see a sneak peak of what the calendar will look like, click here )

Won't bore ya guys with a wall of text so will just say some local friends and I (Matt, Jennifer, Scotty and myself) drove to Bandon, Oregon to see the animal Safari there. All I will say it was totally worth driving through the night to get to! Baby leopard and lion petting was the best part of all. Ive never seen baby cubs this close up and I realllly did not want to leave! They also had Binturongs(will post pics later)! I'd never seen one before that!

These pictures are all taken by nimirpard, just so I am not unjustly taking credit for such lovely shots. I post processed them and now I'd like to share them all with you. The leopard's name was Bentley and he was just the biggest ball of energy and LOVED children (or rather tackling them and clinging to their faces ;D..but all very gently and without ever retracting his claws).

More pictures from the trip may follow, for now have a biased entry featuring primarily Bentley.

( Game park Safari 1 )

Thats all for now, back to catching up on stuff. To those waiting on e-mails, I apologize for the delay x__x.