2008 Santa Contest results

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Bob I understood exactly what ya where going for, everyone has there own opinion and some all have the same forming groups of this and that. But without this diversity and if everyone was the same we would be living in a black and white world without any fun or adventure, if that makes any sense. Every once in a while or more often you will come across someone has a hugely different opinion
Carl

[Keoma]

***HIJACK***
I would just like to say that pineapple and chili pwdr is amazing! Thanx Bob-we had a great lunch! My hubby says if you have any more wierd food ideas to bring'em on!
***End Hijack***

[Blake Lunsford]

Shew, it looks like I have stepped in it again. Bob and Shannon, if I have offended you, I apologize. My point was that I found it hard to believe that you all would not view the message board all weekend knowing that there was a fire buring that was started by this contest. I can definitely understand your stance on not checking the board over the weekend. That is your own decision, and if WCI does not require you on here, so be it. I guess different people handle different situations different ways.

Again, I apologize. I still encourage you to continue having this contest....but I agree, maybe leave the judging up to the subscribers from now on. That way you don't get the blame if people disagree.

Blake

[BobD]

No harm no foul, Blake! I took it personally, and I apologize for singling you out like that.

We do plan to have more contests (see the discussion on this link:

Santa Carving Contest - Fox Chapel Publishing

Under Contest Announcement

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[Joy]

I may not agree with the judges, but I have to say the winners are "class acts".
And so are the judges.

[MackTheKnife]

I just finished reading this whole magilla, and, in my opinion (ducking), it all boils down to a difference in styles and the understanding of styles. Someone criticized the Grand Prize Winner for having a few chips and rough cuts in it, making it look "amateurish." Anyone who has looked at an Emil Janel carving can tell you in detail about all the chips, rough cuts, false cuts and fuzzies that appear on his carvings. I dare anyone to say that Emil Janel's carvings look amateurish! He is a master carver not because of his sparkling technique but because of his ability to capture the essence of the subject.

I'm with Gene as I love the flat plane style. I am fascinated by the face on the Grand Prize Winner. A perfectly believable expression done with very few cuts. And the eyes! I've only seen one set of eyes in this style that I like better, and those were on a hobo done by C.J. Trygg. These eyes are not easy to do. I ought to know, I've been trying a long time. Maybe someday.

The Grand Prize Winner and the People's Choice Winner are both excellent carvings in wildly different styles. Some people like ultra-realism, and some people like impressionism. Is one better than the other? From an objective standpoint, an artistic standpoint, no. What we have here is the choice of a Pekinese over a German Shepard as Best In Show at the Westminster Dog Show.

So lighten up, people! In the art world there ain't no "best", only whatever someone happens to like the most at the time.

Bob

[MackTheKnife]

One other comment about contests in general. The "popular vote" contests tend to be won by practitioners of the most popular style in whatever endeavor. For different styles to have a chance of winning, the contest has to be juried (a thankless task, I know from experience).

There was a time in the past when Folk Art was considered unworthy to be considered "real" art. There was also a time when caricatures were considered "low rent". Why do you think the CCA was created? To elevate the art of caricature carving. Would those same people deny the chance for other styles to be recognized for their excellence?

Think about it.

Bob

[Ed Redwine]

My job in this contest was to cast a vote for peoples choice... not to judge the ultimate winner. In that respect I did my job and the judges did theirs. Nuff sed! Bring on another contest.
ED

[wisardd1]

Hey, everyone know's Sean Penn in Milk was way better than Mickey Rourke. NOT