Writing/Essay/Journal
Although Gallen Benson is a successful jewelry maker with clients around the globe, he starts off by saying, “a lot of times when I finish I piece I can barely stand it. I’m very self-critical of my work.”

Write about a time you were self-critical despite others confirming that your self-doubt was unfounded. What purpose does self-criticism serve? Does it motivate you to improve, or does it bring you down and hold you back? What helps you to get over feelings of self-doubt?

Activity
Gallen works in extreme miniature. Make your own tiny sculpture. Try to make it as detailed as possible and use at least three different materials.

Share your finished work with a classmate and discuss: What makes working in miniature so difficult? What are some of the benefits? Is bigger necessarily better?