THOUGHTS ON JUDGING

© Helen Howe

Ozquilt Network Newsletter Issue #34 DECEMBER 1999

Here are some of my own thoughts that flowed on from Pamela Tawton's recent article on judging in Ozquilt Network newsletter Issue #33. I think we are all cognisant of the fact that a judge needs to be experienced, but in what fields? Should the applicant come from the art world or the quilt world? If they come from the artworld, how can they judge the 'quilt' aspect - i.e. is it well-made? Some people would ask whether that still matters in an art quilt. I think it does, so that means we need an applicant with experience of the traditional side of quilting also. But neither one would qualify to cover both aspects, which leads me to suggest a panel of people with different qualities. Not a single judge but a judging panel composed of perhaps three people. For example, the art worlder; the traditionalist; the art/quilter in between.

As a person whose quilts seem to bounce from pillar to post stylewise, I have been caught in the cracks of judging. I still do some traditionally based work; then there are times when I turn out a totally unashamed art quilt. Sometimes the piece is anywhere between the two areas. It all depends on the subject, my mood and the work-styles and techniques I am using. I have lost out for not being 'arty' enough and also for being too 'arty'. The first in a show where all the judges were from a modern art field; the second where all were heavy traditionalists. My crime is that I make from inside of me - I create from the soul - and I ask you, is that not true of any artist? I make no apology for my style - it is what it is, pure and simple - me. My point is, why should I or anyone be judged for my ideas, my colour choices or my interpretation of a theme? These are MY choices - or yours.

I accept that we are judged for artistic appeal/ visual impact; for workmanship but you can't judge someone on their style or their use of colour, that's personal. I know we've all heard the story of the piece that didn't win because it was in the judge's least liked colour! This is why I think a panel of judges from different fields of expertise is a good way to go. If there are any prejudices from one judge, this may be nullified in some form by the others. And yes, they have to have experience and some degree of success or they can't possibly give their best to the judging process. Their success does not necessarily mean they must be blue-ribbon winners - for many of us, just being juried into a show is a degree of success.

Further, can we instigate some type of training program? Have apprentices as part of a judging panel to learn how it's done? Well, these are my thoughts, how about yours, fellow Ozquilters?

© Helen Howe 1999