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07.01 Self Assessment and Peer Critique Prediction

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Assignment Overview

Before critique, take time to objectively assess the current state of your kinetic bicycle sculpture. Your project may not be 100% complete. Evaluate the work that actually exists today rather than describing what you intended to make or what you still hope to finish.

The goal is to practice looking critically, realistically, and objectively at your own work before hearing feedback from others.

Part 1: Self Assessment

Write a brief but honest assessment of your project. Address each of the following:

1. Current State

  • How complete is the project?
  • What parts are working successfully?
  • What parts are unfinished, unresolved, or not functioning as intended?

2. What You Like

  • Identify 2 – 3 specific aspects of the project that you think are successful.
  • Explain why you think they are working.

3. What You Learned

  • Identify 2 - 3 things you learned through making the project.
  • These may involve welding, fabrication, mechanisms, materials, planning, problem solving, movement, structure, or your artistic decision-making.

4. What You Would Do Differently?

  • Identify 2 – 3 specific changes you would make if you were beginning the project again.
  • Be specific about what you would change and why.

Part 2: Peer Critique Prediction

Before hearing comments from anyone else, predict what your classmates are likely to say during critique. Write 3 – 5 specific critique comments or questions that you think your peers might make about your project. Try to predict actual statements rather than broad categories.

For example:

  • “The movement is interesting, but the sculpture feels visually heavier on the left side.”
  • “The bicycle parts still read too much like an intact bicycle rather than a new sculptural form.”
  • “I want to understand why this particular part moves when the wheel turns.”
  • “The exposed welds and cut tubing fit the industrial character of the sculpture.”
  • “The mechanism works, but the motion is difficult to see from across the room.”

Your predictions can and should include both positive observations and constructive criticism.

Submission

Submit your responses to the Canvas discussion topic.

Be specific, objective, and honest. The purpose is not to defend the project or give yourself a grade. The purpose is to identify what is working, recognize what could improve, and anticipate how another viewer might experience the work.