[Jano]

I want to open a particular can of worms here........all input welcome. Is anybody besides me sick to death of all the copying going on in the woodcarving world? I understand the utiltiy of copying as a learning tool, but almost all the shows and quite a few of the magazines feature all of the same old same old-- yet another mountain man, indian head, caricature, etc. There seems to be so little emphasis on originality! I would like to see some kinds of standards applied, such as refusal to publish or award ribbons to work that is not original. My own little carving group says that my thinking is snobbery and will kill what is warm and fuzzy about woodcarving. What do you all think?

[BobD]

Hi Jano,
I moved the thread to this area; the Author s area is moderated, so in order for your thread to appear, it must be approved by a moderator or admin...this way more people can respond, and we don't need to approve them all.

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[Jano]

Probably should've named the thread "copying".....?

[BobD]

Done <GRIN>

[Ashbys]

Jano,

I do not see a problem with copying as long as it is marked as a copy of someone else design. But if you think about it unless it is completly new , it is a copy.

But how can a duck carver carve anything but a copy. They have been carving ducks since the time began. Since the very first one carved they have all been copies. Modifactions , but copies.
The same with , rabbits , dogs , cats , ect ..
As carvers copying is what we do, yes it is possible to come up with a new design, but are we looking for the best carver , or the best design ? If it is the carver than the grade of workmanship should be the standard , if it is design , then the quality of the art , should rank higher.

If it is to find those that excell in both, then many good carvers might never see a ribbon, but they are still excellent carvers.

just my opinion.

[chipper67]

Jano,

With all do respect I would just like to know how "you" would define "original"?

Chipper67

[Thor]

Woodcarving is about learning and developing a skill with tools, materials, and designs. I do agree that there are a lot of copies out there, but I think the judges try to reward the effort put into any experience level, and most often reward originality and skill at a much higher level than beginners compete in.

A student of any medium, will be encouraged to show their progress. Being rewarded is encouragement, even when it is a ribbon for the only one in a category .
Publications that include articles to copy or relate to a beginning level of carving skills is encouragment to trying more carving. I find that helpful. I am also fully aware of the outstanding articles featuring master carvers, and read them over and over.

It seems that most competitions have categories of expertise. In an open category (where the big boys play) you won't have copies, and perhaps that's where you should compete.
The warm, fuzzy feeling of woodcarving should be preserved for all, whether they have the ability to design for themselves or simply learn by copying others. It's not like they are all getting worldly famous or making tons of money. I don't think it should be taken too seriously.
Just my opinion.

Thor

[mdallensr]

This is an earlier thread that addressed the same issue. We could liven it up a bit by throwing in power carving vs. edge tools, hand carved vs. power carved, etc. Mike

Artist Talent vs Carving Tool technique

[Mitchell]

Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery (or something like that).

I believe many carvers WANT to be original, but copy the work of others as a means of learning.

In some contests (shows, etc), judging is based on many aspects....one of which is originality. In our last show the judges automatically tried to identify "copies" such as rough outs and carvings closely resembling others style and seriously considered that in their evaluations. In the novice and Intermediate classifications, the deductions were less severe.

Many carvers don't really pursue carving to win awards or be published. They do it for enjoyment and self satisfaction. While they may enter contests with these pieces, that was not the inital reason for carving.

Personally, I have carved to imitate others styles, but have found myself carving items that have no pattern lately. I call these "doodles". While they are fun, they are not really at a level that would be judged highly in a contest because they are small and not "exciting". They are original and serve their purpose - allowing me to carve for "the fun of it".

[Mitchell]

Here's an old article from Chip Chats that deals with judging.

CARVING SHOW JUDGING CRITERIA
From CHIP CHATS Jan.-Feb., 1989, Page 25

Carving should be judged on seven elements and be given points on a scale equal to the percentage shown in the table at the bottom of this page.

Creativity -- Having the power to originate or create; to bring into, or cause to come into existence; to make out of nothing (Artistic style or composition which enhances the nature of the piece).

Originality -- The quality of being new or novel; the ability to create or make something new; inventiveness (Newness or freshness of design).

Finish -- To complete, bring to an end, polish, the final touches given to a work (Paint, stain, polish, etc., which are the final touches given to a project).

Execution -- Performance; the act or manner of carrying anything into effect, completion (Rendition of detail, cleanness of cuts)

Complexity -- The state of being intricate or involved; something intricate (The amount of detail included in the project).

Realism -- The tendency to concern oneself with actuality or fact; the practice of presenting people or things as they are in real life without idealization (True to life).

Presentation -- The act, manner, or state of introducing, offering or bringing to consideration (Over-all effect of project on audience; environment supporting carved or detailed pieces).

The following percentages were assigned to each of the seven points.

......... Abstract / Chip /Caricature /Realistic Or Stylized Carving
Creativity 25% / 10% / 20% / 25%
Originality 15% / 15% / 20% / 10%
Finish 10% / 15% / 20% / 10%
Execution 10% / 10% / 10% /25%
Complexity 10% / 10% / 10% / 25%
Realism 10% / 25% / 5% / 0%
Presentation 20% / 15% / 15% / 5%
Total 100% / 100% / 100% / 100%


Note: Some judges start with a total number of points equal to the percentage assigned to the category, then subtract points if need be in each category as they judge. To assign the total score, they will total the number subtracted, then subtract that number from 100.