HOW TO SURVIVE A CRITIQE: by Allan Gill

Introduction:

In a competition, as is organised by our association, there are four levels of expertise. These range from Beginners to Master in four categories so obviously the difference in item standards can be very wide. The competition is judged in these four categories by experienced people, usually the evening’s demonstrator or a panel of our own experts. The overall consensus of opinion is that most members learn a lot from the criticisms expressed. However a number of people react to adverse criticism rather badly.

Them aim of this article is to explain the philosophy of the critique and react accordingl.

The judge has two basic concepts to address, one is subjective, the other objective.

Subjective Assessment
 
This is the area that causes most concern. The criticism often relies on the particular aesthetic likes or dislikes of the judges. The bottom line is that if you like the overall shape etc. of what you have done then that is all that matters. It could be that your item has been made to a specific design or commission. All one can do is mutter “well I like it” and accept grudgingly a lower mark than you think you deserve.

However, especially for the beginner, there are accepted rules for the ‘ideal’ shape, proportions etc. These are basically a function of the physiology of the eye. An example is that the eye seems to be more comfortable looking at a picture, TV screen etc. with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Vases, deep bowls etc. generally look better when the base is one third of the main diameter. Smooth curve transitions, are more acceptable. Many articles and books have been written on the subject.

The main point is to take on board the suggestions made in the critique and process or ignore them as one feels fit.

There are a number of criticisms that regularly crop up which should be taken note of. The wall thickness of bowls, vases etc. should be uniform across the whole section including the base. If, by design the wall thickness is deliberately made to vary then the change in thickness should be gradual. Any change in curvature should be a smooth transition, otherwise use an ‘abrupt’ edge at the transition.

Finally thick or thin, chunky or not are very subjective ideas and can cause, unnecessary, concern.

Objective Assessment 

The main point about objective criticism is that it can be quantified.
There are three techniques to assess.
1.) Tooling
2.) Sanding
3.) Finishing.
Basically there should only be one to assess which is the finish because ideally tooling and sanding should be perfect but!

Before examining each of these, the severity of the criticism should be moderated by the nature of the four categories involved. THE MAIN CONCEPT HOWEVER IS THAT THESE ARE DEEMED TO BE COMPETITION ENTERIES AND JUDGED AS SUCH.

Tooling
 
No ridges or tears should be seen. This being the result of either bad technique or using the wrong tool. Beginners and intermediates should therefore take particular note of any comments made. (Our hands on sessions should be attended where typical demonstrations are made showing the best tools to use for any particular job).

Sanding

This includes any form of abrasive finishing.

Some tooling defects will usually be present even with the most experienced turner. The role of the sanding stage is to produce the perfect finish. Considerable tooling defects can be eliminated by judicial use of abrasives going through various grits in a strict sequence. This process should be repeated, going back a stage if necessary, until the final surface is achieved.

My experience shows that many a superb piece of wood and/or design is marred by a poor finish. A very basic rule is that one should aim at spending more time over the last two stages than the actual time spent turning.

One of the main problems experienced by the beginner is that having achieved very ‘sharp’ edges etc. in the turning, then promptly sands them off in the sanding stage.
One piece of advice that I give is that a cabinet maker NEVER sands across the grain, but always along it, carefully following the grain, especially in wild grain specimens. Sanding on the lathe involves a rotating work piece so that there is always some cross grain sanding. Even with the highest grit it is often very difficult to eliminate sanding marks.

ADVICE: finish the sanding by hand along the grain contours and it is surprising how course a grit one can use to obtain the ‘perfect’ finish.

Finishing

Here we have a very diverse area to contend with and it is not the intention of this article to discuss the pros and cons of different finishes. Be it matt , glossy, oily it is the overall effect that will be criticised.

Main points are:
Uniformity of cover, no blemishes or missed bits etc. The finish material used is sometimes criticised but treat this as advice as this comes under the heading of subjective.

Tooling marks! Sometimes it appears that ridges are present but it can be due to poor application of the finishing material, especially waxes. AGAIN it could be the result of applying the finish to a rotating workpiece. Why not stop the lathe and then apply the finish in a uniform coat, polish any intermediate stage in the same way and possibly use the lathe as a high speed buffing exercise.

If finishing ridges are present one can always cut back with suitable abrasives and start again.

Finally one very common criticism is the base and/or the inside, particularly of deep items like vases etc. are poorly finished. Also the bases come under fire as being poorly finished. As a ‘commercial’ item this does not seem particularly important but remember the judgement is for competition items so the base and insides should be of the same standard as any other part.

Summary

To summarise tThe critique is aimed at you to improve your overall technique and should be accepted as such. Your own conscience debates the aesthetics!

For Beginners and Intermediates take serious note of the comments and put these into practice the next time round.

For Advanced and Masters you should not need to be criticised as you should know better. In your case the judge is often nit picking, desperately trying to find fault however small.
Enjoy your turning, enter the competitions and whatever else do not be put of by the critiques.