When is a carving a 'sculpture', and when is 'sculpture' just a carving?

[Jim Arnold]

A while back, I attempted to join a statewide organization that represents sculpture artists. I sent in some pics of my sets and was rejected...they told me I wouldn't be accepted until I submitted something larger, so I made an 8' by 8' chess set (haven't heard back from them yet). If my chess pieces were made from bone or marble I would be in, if they were made of clay or bronze no problem, but because I carve them out of wood they have to be 'bigger'? Somtimes I feel like the little happy face icon beating his head against the brick wall.

Jim

[doris]

hey, sorry to hear that... yes, here in germany is too exactely same as you say, pieces carved off bone or stone are considered sculpture, while the same item carved from wood is not sculpture. bronze and clay is always sculpture anyway,,,,i dont understand that unfair view either. i have seen your chess sets in the galery, they are wonderful, there is no doubt they belong to sculpture category to me, dont give up !

[Whimsy_Carver]

I also have found that bas reliefs that I do in slate will be considered as "art"/ as scupture, whereas the same relief, the same subject in wood is considered something else or something less, by the judges who determine the entries for some shows. What is their rationale?

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I think this is the Art World's official definition of Sculpture:

Any creation made from a non-flammable material.

[Hugh-P]

I know its good cause I like it, Well said Susan, and telling it like it is, is NOT opinionated. Thanks

[Kenny_S]

Well said Susan!

[Lynn O. Doughty]

So I guess if we take along the "Official" definition of Sculpture when we approach galleries, etc. that will help us get our foot in the door? I think not! And that doesn't only apply to caricature carving! As for personal preferences coming into the mix there must be a lot of gallery owners out there who went to the same school as just about 99.9 percent of them have the same attitude toward woodcarvings, of any type and that attitude is NO!

As for winning ribbons, let me add this:

At the recent Kansas City show, judged by Peter Engler I was fortunate enough to take a number of awards. However, the biggest award was Peter stopping by my table and saying that it's seldom, if ever that caricature carving ranks up against the other carving categories when the overall awards are made. He said that my carvings are helping to change that attitude. Now that was worth any ribbon I've won or could hope to win. Sadly though, even that comment along with any number of ribbons wouldn't help much in removing the scales from the eyes of those gallery owners.

We can pontificate all we want about how our craft might measure up equally to other mediums in the art world. Unfortunately, it usually only takes a trip down the street to the nearest gallery to bring us back to reality.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Well, I can see that this topic is heading down a road I've already travelled so I'll make one more comment and then just set back and read:

Woodcarving is a great medium which will bring you years of enjoyment and pleasure, sometimes even a little fame and treasure. However, in what is considered the "real" art world governed by the ones who, whether rightly or wrongly make the rules, doors will be opened for you. Unfortunately, almost 99.9 percent of them will say "EXIT".

[Jim Arnold]

Susan, are there historical factors as to why wood is perceived as the 'Rodney Dangerfield' of artistic media or is it just simple market economics...supply and demand?

[Just Carving]

Been here, done this. Wood carving is wood carving! Whittling is whittling! Art is Art! Sculpture is for the birds to poop on!

See ya,
Bob L