[Steppes] Artisan considerations.(long)

[AlKudsi at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/23/2007 9:57:17 PM Central Daylight Time, 
suzannaherbalist at earthlink.net writes:

As far as having a combined A&S event with Elfsea, that has been suggested
before.  However, Elfsea has its own tradition of Artisans, and I suspect
it would be difficult to merge the traditions, duties, and responsibilities
of the 2 titles. 

I suspect it would not be difficult, it would be impossible.  And it would be 
to the detriment of both baronies, who both have Artisan events rich with 
different traditions.  They have different rules (last I saw, Elfsea limited the 
number of entries/arts for your body of work, something the Steppes is proud 
NOT to do) and no longer allow the entrants to stay with their entries.
 
On another note, addressing Master Robin's comments, I specifically wait 
until the Artisan is at their table to judge that entrant.  That was the tradition 
at the time I was made a Steppes Artisan, that you had to be available for 
questions, general comments, etc., and I carry it on.  I will send someone in 
search of the artist if they are not available.  One of the reasons I don't like 
some of the Kingdom level A&S events and other Artisan events is that I 
CANNOT stay with my entry.  At some, you can't even be in the same room.  Because 
of that, I've had some serious mis-judgings because the judges didn't read 
their own judging forms that I filled out, and also didn't bother to read the 
presented documentation. The judges can't hide behind their anominity, either.  
This means that the participants know who their judges are, can get the 
opportunity to actually talk to them, and can give the judges an opportunity to learn 
something new.  Besides, it gives us (the judges) the opportunity to select 
our entrant for our special word fame.
 
The only reason I suggested last night that combining Fall Court and Artisan 
might work is that it appeared as if a significant number of people seem 
deadset on combining it with SOMETHING.  I actually prefer it as a separate event, 
myself, where arts and sciences, and the SCA artists of our kingdom (and 
sometimes, from other kingdoms) take center stage, for once.  I even chimed in 
against having classes at Artisan this year, although my advice and suggestions as 
an Artisan were not solicited.  Even at Kingdom A&S, there was so much other 
business involved that, at least in court, the A&S took a distinct second 
place.  
 
I think one of the things "wrong" with our barony right now is the lack of 
Baronial events where we can just enjoy each other's company, bond, play, and 
have a relaxed attitude.  Even Populace has become overcome with baronial 
business lately.  Admittedly, we've had some serious business to accomplish, but 
even when we don't, we don't seem to have any fun.  The last one at Kalida and 
Thorkel's last summer, which was billed as Populace and Swim Party, I was the 
only one who brought a suit to swim.  Everyone else stayed inside to politick 
and hash over business.  If you ask me, we seem to have lost our capacity for 
having fun, and I would dearly like to see us get it back....
 
HL Saqra
Steppes Artisan



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