Questions on "The Art of Failure"

Sydney Winkel

AED 398

Instructor Jamie Tabone

October 23, 2018

• What are the similarities between the artists interviewed in this article?  Differences?

Definitions of success and failure have personal meaning, but a variety of meaning across disciplines. While one artist may define success as exposure or making money, another artist may take most pride in the quality and integrity of their work. One dancer even noted that success could be measured in an audience thinking deeper into human movement. However, all artists viewed failure as a part of the creative process and part of the road to breaking new territory and creating something lasting and meaningful.  

• Is there anything discussed in this article that you can relate to?

Often when getting frustrated with ideas and not knowing if they are headed in the right direction, like other artists I like to get distance and even ask close peers. However, as an artist you have to accept critique, which can be hard after investing a lot of time. 

• Do you believe that taking risks and pushing boundaries is important to the creative process? Why or why not?

Yes. In order to explore to ideas and find the most effective way to express an idea and create meaning, you have to test out boundaries and effectiveness. 

• Do you experience fear of failure? When? How do you think it has impacted you positively or negatively?

I experience fear of failure when pegged up against others. Especially when doing technical work. By examining individual works and idea making and then collaborating to build up ideas and push students rather than comparing them for a grade students, like myself, would feel less pressure. I think pressure and comparison has negatively impacted me by generating my self image on the expectations of others.

• How do you think you can support your students as their teacher when they encounter the "fear of failure"?

Remind students that ideas take time to develop, allow for positive peer feedback, motivate them to find and use their own style of working, and provide opportunity for critical thinking and personal connection so that students are motivated by their own interests.