Tennessee Technological University - Appalachian Center for Craft

  Vince Pitelka, 2006                    

Art 2010 - Three-Dimensional Design
Twenty-Seven Questions to Ask While Looking at Three-Dimensional Work

1. Can you tell what the materials are? 
2. If the piece employs mixed media, does the combination and juxtaposition of media add to the effectiveness of the piece?
3. Do the materials communicate anything to you, and if mixed media, are there specific or implied narrative references in the contrasts of different materials?
4. How does the use of color effect your response?
5. How does the use of pattern affect your perceptual response?
6. How does the use of texture affect your perceptual response?
7. What is the predominant value scale (light to dark), and how does it affect your response?
8. As you see it, is the primary visual emphasis of the piece in the overall form, or in the details?
9. Is the interplay of positive and negative space important?
10. Are there qualities of implied movement and directional energy that are important?
11. Do you consider the piece aesthetically attractive?
12. Do you consider the piece experientially effective?
13. Does the piece follow normal physical expectations of balance and gravity, and does the manipulation of balance and gravity work to the piece’s advantage?
14. How does the piece change as you move around it?
15. How does your perceptual response change as you move around the piece?
16. Is there an obvious objective (recognizable) narrative?  In other words, is the piece about something very specific?
17. Are there subtle qualities or additional layers of narrative that emerge as you examine the work?
18. Do the formal qualities (pure expressions of form) of the work and the narrative qualities work in unison? 
19. Does the work seem unified towards a specific intent or objective? 
20. If this is a utilitarian piece, does it’s specific function seem clear?
21. If this is a utilitarian piece, does it’s design and finish invite use?
22. Does the piece seem to energize or activate the space around it?
23. Does anything else in the immediate surroundings conflict with this field of activated space?
24. Does the piece seem to communicate a sense of peace/stillness, or action/energy?
25. Does the piece speak to you in a way that you feel is different from how it might speak to other viewers?
26. Would you want to come back and see the piece again and again? 
27. Is this a piece you would enjoy living with in your home?