Questions for Del Herbert

[BobD]

any questions for Wildfowl carving expert Del Herbert. Del carved and detailed a decorative decoy duck call in Issue 30 of WCI.

[Hugh]

I would like to know what points in general do you look for when judging a decorative carving at a carving competetion. Thanks

[Del Herbert]

Thanks for the question. I know that it has been asked and answered many times. Well, here goes. When asked to judge,the first thing I do is to re-read the rules and discuss them with the other judges to get a feel for our dynamics as a group. When looking at the pieces in competition I try to:

First look at all pieces in the category for general conformance to the rules. If a problem jumps out at me I'll go into further detail with the other judges.

Step back and see what pieces really look like the intended species. I guess you would call this the essence of the species.

Examine all pieces for technical correctness. Is the anatomy correct? Is the bird the right size and shape,etc

Look at the techniques used. Is the carving/texturing/painting clean and crisp?

Most important to me is to stand back and see which of the top pieces really project. Does the overall presentation and attitude of the piece tell me that the artist has a message to tell. Does he/she tell that story? Does the piece speak to me.

Usually when we get to this point,the judges are trying to balance a technical strength of one piece against an artistic strength of another,etc. Here is where it gets real hairy. That's why we have multiple judges and differing opinions. I have found judging to be a real educational and rewarding experience. It has helped me scrutinize my own art work.

The best advice that I can give someone who wants to carve for competition is to spend as much time designing the overall piece as you do carving/painting the bird. DON'T CARVE A BIRD AND THEN THINK ABOUT POSE/ATTITUDE/HABITAT.

Hope this helps. Del

[BobD]

Great post, Del!
Thanks for taking the time to offer your help!

Bob Duncan
Wood Carving Illustrated

[Hugh]

Thanks for the posting. I have never talked to a competent judge such as yourself about what is looked for in judging a carving. That is a help for me, as I usually tend to work at technical correctness rather than design. I haven`t entered carvings for quite a number of years, but have been considering a local show next year. Thanks again.

[dill100]

I was wondering where i could find a schedule of your woodcarving classes that you will be conducting.

[dill100]

I haven`t entered carvings for quite a number of years, but have been considering a local show next year. Thanks again.