Watching the entries so far has been fun.
It has also been educational.
At the level necessary to have been "invited" by Mr. Alaska, a carver's craftsmanship---execution---is a given, as well as his ability to execute ideas.
Which makes the difference between the carvers one of artistry.
Notice I didn't say "imagination".
And that's where things get interesting.
Because a minimalist, all-time-classic shape like the Cutty is a fiendishly difficult thing to successfully mess with to any extent, never mind improve upon, because the deviation must be intrinsically beautiful as well as incorporated beautifully.
Not easy, that. Not easy at all.
This principle applies to everything.
Hell, in the 21st century, it even applies to human faces:
It has also been educational.
At the level necessary to have been "invited" by Mr. Alaska, a carver's craftsmanship---execution---is a given, as well as his ability to execute ideas.
Which makes the difference between the carvers one of artistry.
Notice I didn't say "imagination".
And that's where things get interesting.
Because a minimalist, all-time-classic shape like the Cutty is a fiendishly difficult thing to successfully mess with to any extent, never mind improve upon, because the deviation must be intrinsically beautiful as well as incorporated beautifully.
Not easy, that. Not easy at all.
This principle applies to everything.
Hell, in the 21st century, it even applies to human faces:
- I assume there are a variety of other criteria!
