ANST - aesthetics and function

[Baronman at aol.com]

In a message dated 97-08-19 14:36:33 EDT, you write:

>Hi all. Aquilanne here.
>
>I'm more than a bit dismayed at the argumentation going on over what does
>and what should "win" A&S competitions. Rather than moaning about how ugly
>bowls don't stand a chance against pretty bowls, or how decorative
>leatherwork beats out functional work every time,

  Your absolutely right- we could argue until the second coming and it
wouldn't change a thing.

>It will require having a base set of criteria that apply to all entries, and
>variations on those criteria for separate categories. For example, I don't
>think brewing will need criteria taking "functionality or
>ceremonial/display" appropriateness into consideration. On the other hand,
>"functionality or ceremonial/display" could possibly be an appropriate
>criterion for a leatherworking category.

  I think this is what I've been advocating all along.  It isn't logical for
the aesthetic to be judged in compition with the functional.  They are apples
and potatoes, and should be treated as such. 

>Talented artists and artisans who work long hours perfecting their art and
>researching enter A&S competitions, and their work deserves the respect it
>gets. My suggestion to anyone not getting the results they want out of these
>competitions is the same kind of suggestion a knight would give a fighter
>not doing as well as they would like in crown tourney: educate yourself as
>to exactly what your weaknesses are, work on your skills, try harder, do
>more.
  Huzzah-- we agree whole heartedly

>If what you really want are warm fuzzies, don't enter an A&S competition.
>
>Aquilanne

If I were only looking for the warm fuzzies, I wouldn't have stayed in the
SCA over 12 years,  I think this can be true of most people in The SCA over a
year or two.  Maybe I could be wrong though??  :>)

OK- but how do we change a system that has been ingrained for so long??  A
special A&S event?  Would the Laurels get behind it.  What would be the
criteria?  Would anybody even compete?  If all the answers could be found, I
would even volunteer to autocrat such an event after the first of the year. (
The Baroness is going to kill me)
What would others like to see rather than the traditional Pretty Thingy win
the compitition??  Or am I and a few others, the only ones who feel this
way??  Am I beating a dead horse?  Who am I? Why am I doing this??
  
   Baron Bors of Lothian
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
  Par Deu, bel sire, cist est de ae vostre lin,
  Et si mangue un grant braun porcin
  Et a dous traitz beit un cester de vin.
  Ben dure guete deit il rendre a sun veisin.
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