What critical questions would you ask of yourself and your own work?

Following on from my own dry conversations in September about unfolding an 'Arab-centred' approach to research and to discussion about cultural production, I took the opportunity to document a conversation with an Arab woman artist, in the site of her latest solo exhibition. (Thanks FK for being open and trusting. Thanks to AG for the film work.) Right now I'd like to reflect on the set-up and process of this conversation (as opposed to going into details about the artist's body of work and her narratives).

As I was going to see the exhibition a second time, I called the artist and flagged the possibility of filming a conversation (not an interview), to be later integrated into this 3arabi project. As we already have a strong working relationship we were on trusting territory. The challenge was to generate questions with each other within the context of the conversation itself...

We were clear of the kinds of questions we all endure and tire of - and sometimes get fed up with, so prefer to remain silent. Questions which require and demand explanation and justification and sometimes defence and defiance. What are the kinds of questions we would ask of ourselves, from our own perspectives? So our lead-up phone call simultaneously created and broke down some parameters...

Reality checks on site of the exhibition:
:: the setting up of camera, tripod, seats in good lighting, me off-camera, the artist facing a few of us... the very structure itself triggers body memories of other scenarios (even without the spotlights)
:: I also find it difficult to completely step out of the role of facilitator / interviewer, especially if there is a lull in the conversation
:: even though this discussion is not about this particular exhibition, there are often tangible references to her surrounding productions, and this clearly is useful for integrating discussion of personal, professional and political issues
:: deeper conversations are ALWAYS better WITHOUT cameras and mini-audiences, and WITH coffee and lounges and... whatever

As with any discussion, we warm up.
As with any story, I love the unexpected details.
As with a trusting communication, I am aware that your eyes can talk to each other, editing out everything else...

I have not yet seen the recording, but this is what I remember most (in no particular order) - and this perhaps reflects questions she would ask of herself:
:: why she makes work
:: childhood stories that began her relationships with something called 'Iraq' and something called 'Palestine'
:: what dramatically shifted her work from 'cultural maintenance' to the political engagement in her images and materials and implementation of her work (including the labels)
:: what continues to sharpen her politicized awareness of herself as an Arab artist / woman / Muslim / migrant in Australia
:: why she feels a sense of responsibility to 'educate' and 'explain to' the non-Arab / non-Muslim 'other'
:: how does Australia work to 'diminish' her sense of 'Arabness' that was so stong and proud in her childhood
:: when can she have a 'holiday' from this overriding responsibility
:: what does she create when she does have a rare 'holiday' from this role and sense of responsibility
:: what are the stories of the details of the material elements and methods used in creating her work
:: where is the pain
:: where is the beauty
:: what does she think she will be creating in ten years time
:: where are the rare moments of her own peace and her own spirituality in the creating of her own work

WHAT CRITICAL QUESTIONS WOULD YOU ASK OF YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN WORK?