Even tho' I'm dead-tired after a very hot show this weekend, I find myself climbing on the old soapbox. Occasionally I see remarks about beads and over the weekend I heard some from a couple of judges. Beads are verboten unless the artist made them themselves. I don't just string beads on a wire...I weave them, embellish them, embroider them, enhance them.
I used to show paintings for many years that I did in oils . I did not make my own brushes. I did not grind my own paints. I did not make my own canvases. I paid a framer to do the framing. If I were sculpting, I probably would not make my own clay or quarry my own marble or pour my own steel.
I'm using the beads as material to create something. So, I have to ask........what's the difference?
Cassandra
Comments
Don't let this weekend's comments get to you. What you do IS an art form in itself. I agree with Britt's assessment! Maybe we should let the judges in on that assessment too!
I think general rule of thumb should be that if a preschooler can do it, it probably shouldnt be sold at art festivals. NO WAY a 4 year old could do the intricate work you do (which is beautiful by the way), but they CAN take a wire and string a line of beads. That is the type of beadwork that shouldn't be included in festivals.
Stone birds? The neighbors down the block have several in their front yard...I believe they are pink.
I sculpt fine art boxes but I have never made my own tree. It is not always possible to make everything you use in your creations.
Thanks for laughing Jacki. Letting in fake artists to festivals really gets me mad and I either get very nasty or try to be funny.
Geri, I am still laughing at your stone bird comment.
No offense taken, just thought it might be helpful for you to read some of the other threads on the topic. I do think your work is beautiful and complex. Each show have their own standards and rules and as someone who knits and crochets with wire, sometimes with beads, sometimes not, it's challenging to make sure I'm applying to the shows where my works fits best.
Okay, I didn't realize so much had already been said about the subject and I've read thru it. I was tired and cranky this morning and needed to "vet". And I apologize if I offended anyone who is a stringer, especially since that's something I cannot do.
Cassandra
From what I saw on the front page of your website, you are doing far more complex work than stringing beads on a thread or wire. Whatever the Japanese name is for the bead-weaving that I have seen is amazingly complex and takes a while to become proficient at. I don't know if that is what you are doing but if judges are making disparaging remarks, it sounds like the type of judge who would jury in a stone bird.
Cassandra - this has been several times, below are links to a couple of the threads. You might also want to also look in the jewelry groups discussions.
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/how-to-determine-what-is
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/what-is-hand-made-by-ar...