New England Woodcarvers Inc.

Judging Criteria

The judges are experts in one or more fields of wood art. And will be chaired by a person who has acquired substantial experience by competing and judging in many contests. Entries are evaluated against a set of criteria that is appropriate for the category and division in which they are entered. Judging will be done in teams where feasible and in private prior to opening the competition area to the public.

 

Wood Carving - Sculpting - Whittling

 

Originality and Design

Judges look at interpretation of the subject, its proportions, anatomy, balance, and perspective. How light and shadows or color enhance the piece.

Skilled Execution

Judges look for tight laminations, good carving techniques, properly fitted add-ons, such as objects in hands, etc. Judges also look at how difficult the piece was to carve.

Surface Finish

Judges look at how the piece was sanded (If necessary), if blemishes were removed or incorporated into the design, and how the finish enhances the grain of the piece. Choice of color and application in relationship to overall work is considered.

Final Representation

Judges look at the decorative value of the piece, the worthiness of the piece, and how the overall continuity and artistry was presented.

Scroll Sawing

Design

Judges look to see if the construction is sound, durable and functions as intended.

Workmanship

Judges pay attention to details and proper fit. They check for no obvious cutting stops or starts and if the cut lines are straight.

Finishing

Judges look over the piece for durability, obvious drips, and if the choice of finish suits the item.

Materials

Judges look for the proper selections of woods that make the piece pleasing to the eye. They also examine the placement of materials to determine if they have compromised the structural completeness of the piece.

 

Wood Turning

 

Design

Judges are interested in the relationship of the wood to the form or figure. Does the grain interrelate with the design to enhance the piece? And is there a play of scale that complements the turning.

Workmanship

Judges look for consistent wall thickness, a fine finish, and a graceful form that complements the wood grain. Is there good balance between detail, textures and form to make a scuptural statement? Does the artist use color and patterns to show a rhythm in shapes? Is the piece flawlessly turned?

Finishing

Judges look at surface preparation and how the smoothing of the piece appears more aesthetically pleasing to accept finishing materials uniformly. Is the finished piece chipped, cracked or flaked? Does the finish have water blotches?

Materials

Judges make a determination on the care the artist took to select wood or composites for particular patterns or grain alignment.