One of the main takeaways of this workshop, and one that I am still struggling to wrap my brain around, is the idea that labels do not need to tell a complete story. There needs to be trust that the readers themselves will finish the story, or will connect the dots themselves. In this way, interpretive writing can be more open ended, and leave the reader wanting to learn more.
I think that this does have merit thought I struggle with this thought. I am not one who enjoys unanswered questions and the air of mystery. However, i think it was a valuable point that the interpretive writing would serve as the gateway to peak a reader’s interest and entice them to dig further into the topic. I think an analogy might be like giving the reader a chapter of the book, or maybe even just a teaser, rather than the whole novel.
The more my brain ponders this, the more it does make sense. Another point that was made that resonated with me was that it was okay to sacrifice conveying facts for the sake of conveying a story. If there is too much emphasis on information, then you lose the story. Narrative driven labels are people and story focused. When you research for an exhibit, you end up with so many facts that you want to share, but the story is more important. The labels should tell stories, and groups of stories that share a message make up the ‘big idea’ for the exhibit.
The main message of the exhibit is the topic and why that topic is important. It helps keep the exhibit focused and relevant.
First Attempt:
This necklace was purchased from a Greek artisan during Tara Jacklin’s first solo international trip. A budding classicist, Tara was exploring archaeological sites they studied in their undergraduate degree. This necklace used many ancient art and architecture motifs. The use of ancient symbols in modern jewellery made the necklace a piece of wearable history.
Second Attempt:
“This makes a great fancy dress piece” a Greek artisan advised Tara Jacklin in a tiny shop in Nafplio. The necklace instead formed a staple in their everyday wardrobe. The necklace used many ancient art motifs that Tara studied in her academic career and that Tara travelled to see during their trip to Greece. Wearing it reminded them of the ancient and contemporary beauty of their field of study.
Feedback:
Advise on Feedback
The advise on how to give and accept feedback was also extremely worthwhile. One point was that when giving feedback one should identify what needs work but refrain from suggesting how to fix something.
While initially my brain rebelled against this as well (I like to fix things), it also did come to make a great deal of sense. A previous teaching workshop taught to give me feedback that is specific, actionable and objective as the main features. Identifying areas of improvement is different than immediately correcting those issues. [it is worth noting that the first point mentioned was to have a conversation with your colleague about how best for others to give you feedback, to take into account different preferences]
One of the main benefits in not suggesting solutions is it allows the author to maintain their authenticity and voice within their work. Their solution will come from them, rather than an external source and thus will be more aligned with the author intentions. It makes people more receptive to feedback.
