Judge’s Comments:
I really enjoyed myself, and thank you for allowing me to judge your wonderful show. :)
Best in Show “Center of the Earth” – Pottery Jean
Steele
This bowl was beautifully formed. The rough texture
flows from one section to the next as they overlap each other and become
on voice. The direction and movement created draw ones eye into the
depths. The color choices soften the rawness without masking it. This
piece seemed almost magnetic, for it found it so fascinating that I
was consistently drawn to it.
Juror’s Choice “Traveling Body” - Watercolor - Zirrus VanDevere
What drew me to this carefree gestural painting is how effortlessly
it seems to have been created. There are seemingly random drips and
splashes, and yet each mark enhances the movement and expression if
the form. The rich indigo blue used against the stark white paper brought
out a crispness. And the gradation in the paint brought out dimension
and light.
1st place award "Emerging" - Photo - Wade Wahrenbrock This is a classic example of less is more. Although this is a vertical form on a vertical foundation, the composition worked by placing the bud off center. And because the background was left uncluttered, the intricate design of the flower bud itself leaps to the foreground. The exposure, sharpness, and saturation were all at just the right levels. I found the tender folding of the pedals and outer husk like a brief moment caught time. The choice of background color softly grounds the focal point, preventing it from having a staged or artificial look.
2nd place award "Chicken" - Watercolor -
Gwen Thomas
This chicken seemed to grow randomly right out of the paper. The
beautiful colors cleanly flowed together on the paper to make wonderful
shadows and highlights that are rich and glowing. There was just enough
shadow under the chicken to ground it, but not clutter the composition.
The absence of brushstrokes brought a dimensional fullness to the form.
The chicken still had plenty of personality and expression, even with
the absence of brushstrokes.
3rd place award "Skilak Skier" - Acrylic - Melinda
Nelson
In this piece, the bold combination of various lines work well with
each other, creating a path for the eye to follow, and a story to tell.
With this many lines, it is difficult to keep things from becoming chaotic,
yet you achieved a balanced composition that reveals excitement. By
muting the vivid colors of red and blue, they no longer compete with
each other, and accent the expressiveness of the white lines. The placement
of the lines seem to be moving the skier forward, almost as if they
are encouraging him. I just wish the same bold confidence was used when
painting the skier as in the rest of the piece.
Honorable Mentions:
"Wrapped in a Cloud" - Knitted Fiber - Jenne Long
The name of this piece fits it well. Although it is a difficult stitch,
I found the tension to be even and the stitch sizes to be consistent.
The edges were finished nicely and it draped elegantly. The soft white
color was a good choice for this type of piece.
"Iris" - Encaustic - Joyce Cox
By keeping this composition uncomplicated, the beauty of the encaustic
is brought out. The softness and depth of the background supports the
shaped flowers. The carved lines quietly sway the flowers and deepen
the image. The soft greens with the muted purples keep the overall softness
going and relax the eye.
"Exploring Textures" - Fiber - Jan Wallace
The overall composition of this piece is very nice. The color and material
pattern choices work well together. The texture created by the stitching
and placement of the elements create not only an energy in the piece,
but personality as well.
"Fish/Boat" - Stained glass - LuAnn Reynolds
Stained glass With all of the different mediums used,
the design was well planned and it all flowed together. The contrast
of the smooth copper, the slightly textured stained glass, and the rugged
wire net work very well together. The weaving of the bent wire net is
very nice. The way the light dances off it reminds me of the sunlight
dancing across the ocean.
“Tomatoes” - Fiber Art - Juanita Hillhouse
These
tomatoes have personality. The color choices are lovely and somewhat
difficult to achieve when combining reds and oranges. The texture from,
not only the fabric foundation, but the paint itself work in harmony
to bring a voice to this delightful piece.
Fine Art by Pat Lytle
www.offthecanvas.com