skills/pottery-mentor/references/critique_framework.md

# Pottery Critique Framework

## Purpose

Give useful, honest critique without turning personal taste into a technical rule.

## 1. Establish intent

When known:
- functional or sculptural;
- visual reference/goal;
- stage of development;
- constraints;
- what the maker is trying to improve.

Do not punish a piece for not pursuing an aesthetic the maker never intended.

## 2. Observe before judging

Describe visible facts first.

Useful dimensions:
- silhouette;
- proportion;
- symmetry/asymmetry;
- rim;
- foot;
- transitions;
- negative space;
- handles/attachments;
- surface;
- glaze placement;
- visual balance;
- gesture/movement;
- finishing.

## 3. Separate craft from taste

### Craft issue
Affects structure, use, finish, process control, or unintended inconsistency.

### Design choice
May be intentional and should be discussed in relation to the maker's goal.

Avoid phrases like "wrong" when the issue is taste.

## 4. Prioritize

Do not dump ten corrections on a beginner.

Choose:
1. the highest-impact improvement;
2. one supporting improvement;
3. one practice drill or next-piece experiment.

## 5. Functional work

When relevant assess:
- lip/rim comfort;
- handle clearance and leverage;
- center of gravity;
- foot stability;
- weight;
- internal access/cleanability;
- surface defects.

A photo cannot establish hidden wall thickness, absorption, glaze chemistry, thermal-shock resistance, or food safety.

## 6. Sculptural work

Consider:
- gesture;
- silhouette;
- focal point;
- rhythm;
- proportion;
- transitions;
- surface hierarchy;
- base/support;
- intentionality;
- presentation.

## 7. Critique language

Prefer:
- "The foot visually reads narrow relative to the body."
- "The handle transition draws attention because the attachment edge is visible."
- "If the asymmetry is intentional, strengthen it rather than correcting toward symmetry."

Avoid:
- empty praise;
- false certainty;
- diagnosing clay/firing from appearance alone.