[Ansteorra] How to Trap a Laurel

Wed Jul 27 15:55:17 PDT 2011

A few things I'd like to be sure are clear- Laurel's Prize isn't a competition.  It's a chance to get constructive feedback on your craft, and geek out with other folks who love the things you do.  

   I invite you to explore the judging forms here: http://laurel.ansteorra.org/  which we use for things like Kingdom Arts and Sciences (NOT Laurel's Prize.)  In the static arts form there are points for methods/techniques, materials, complexity, workmanship/skill, and presentation/overall impression.  So the lion's share of the focus is clearly on the entry itself and how the documentation supports it, rather than any kind of salesmanship.  My own perspective as a baby laurel of the kingdom- a spartan display is perfectly fine.  People should be able to see and appreciate your work, and I get it that many appreciate seeing little images of your progress, or the context in which the piece might be created or used.  I'd be thinking of it more like a museum display than a fru-fru window display at a boutique.  The documentation can provide images of the creation process and explain how it was used.  Think of it this way- even the Mona Lisa is in
 a nice frame, but she's not surrounded by candy, scented candles and fancy fabric.
  All that said, I'm not opposed to semi-naked dancing girls. 

  I don't think I'm betraying any confidences when I say the laurels as a group are concerned with the space of SCA specific items.  Calligraphy and illumination, and award regalia are things we want to encourage, and see as an important part of society culture.   It can be difficult to judge with our standard forms if the items aren't constructed with period methods, or materials.  We try to have judges who have walked the same path before you wherever we can to make it as fair to you as possible.  They have a feel for how hard certain materials are to work, or how much those tools cost.  

  We're also not solely focused on competitions.  They're just one way to show off your work that works for some folks and not for others.  If the best way to present your award regalia is to have it hang beneath a smiling face of a new recipient then it sounds like you're doing something great for your kingdom, your craft and your friends.

  Gaston de Clermont  

________________________________
From: Ld.blackmoon <ld.blackmoon at cox.net>
To: "Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc." <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] How to Trap a Laurel

greetings

thank you duchess willow for reminding me why I very very rarely enter arts and sciences competitions, or displays.
there was a time in the sca when the craftsmanship and documentation were the main judging points on an entry.
but as the laurels have changed so have the " rules " for entry and judging , so that now instead of craftsmanship, they promote salesmanship .
with some judging forms I have seen giving more credit to display , than to workmanship.
also , since what I traditionally make are " sca " items, and not " period items" , the value of my work is again " devalued ", even though I know much of how my medium was worked  in " period " ( yes I'm still learning, and trying new aspects of that knowledge, but not one of the award regalia's, bard books, etc.that I have made and given to groups / people, have ever had a laurel ( or anyone else for that matter ) come up and say " hhmm you could have done that better " or " have you tried xxx "  )
my work and my documentation ( yes I know my documentation skills bite ) should speak for themselves.
it shouldn't take boards, blocks, shiny material, ribbons, balloons,  a juggler and semi naked dancing girls , to get a laurel to come look at my work, since that has nothing to do with the quality or accuracy of my work .and is indeed a distraction, from my work .
anyway , just my opinion , but I've heard others give the same reason for not entering a & s competitions.

have fun at the event , finances won't allow me to go look at peoples work : (
Be Safe , Be Happy, Have Fun .
Arthur
----- Original Message ----- From: <willowdewisp at juno.com>
To: <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 4:03 PM
Subject: [Ansteorra] How to Trap a Laurel

> Some of you are thinking about entering the Laurel Prize Tourney and some of you are put off by the words "entering" "Tourney" and "Laurel"
> I can hear your thoughts "It isn't hand sewn and I not sure about the documentation" "Someone told me never to enter something you like because it will get torn apart" " I just started this art form"
> These things are mostly true about Kingdom A&S and the quest for Gulf War Champions but They  are not true for Laurel Prize.
> First there are No winners. Laurels walk around and admire your things and are there to give you helpful feedback and maybe set up further Communication.
> You are not winning a prize you are trapping Laurels. If you are lucky, out of the Laurels and other artisans you will find people who love your art form as much as you do and you will gain a learning and sharing buddy
> Most of us love our arts and crafts and we love learning. We don't do what we do to get awards or to win things. We do it just because to us it is fun.
> This is what the Laurel Prize  is all about. It is chance for all the artisans to share.
> Now keeping this in mind I am sure to want to talk to some of the Laurels so when you are putting up your display think of it as a laurel trap.
> Number one thing to remember is the Laurel by its nature is shy. You must lay in wait.
> They like bright colors and rich fabrics. You are allowed to put things out that make your display more interesting. A brightly colored table covering or something that goes with the "theme" of your items. Pay attention to what you put things in..and try to make things go together Try to put your documentation is something  that shows an understanding of period art and sensibilities.
> Put things at different heights.You can put blocks under your cloth to vary the height  of objects or you can use stands for your papers.  Bring pins and wire and fabric that can be used to cover up things that look raw.
> Your display should look planned out and "finished" The concept of "finished" is one of the hardest concept that Laurels try to explain to potential candidates. A"finished" display may be as simple as putting something in a different order or tucking the ends of cloth under. I suggest laying out your table before bringing things to the event. If you can find out the size of the area you will be using.
> Funny --witty things are appreciated but be careful, A joke gone bad leave a foul smell that will chase everyone away. .
> the Laurel loves to learn. If your display teaches something this will lure the wary Laurel in  soon you will  have them chatting merrily away and having fun and will realize that this feared creature is sort of cute.
> Have cards to give out. Put you name on the table and at the top of documentation. Have copies to give out. Ask for people's card. Don't stop at Laurels share info with everyone. Your goal should be to have 5 new contacts out of this event. People you truly would like to talk to. Build bridges with people so if you get down,-up- over to their area you will have a contact .
> Friendships that are built around musical interest are often the longest lasting friendships.
> Remember, even if you do not know me, I am your Grand Mere, and I will help you. Contact me if you are having problems and I will see what I can do.
> Duchess Willow de Wisp.
> 
> 
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