Judging Synopsis: VC Fair 2004
by Al Geller [as recording clerk for judge Dan Hogan]
1. Be deliberate - where a turned piece is a bowl, is the wall thickness uniform? Does the shape have pleasing curves? Are they complimentary? If the piece has a base or a foot, what is its diameter relative to the major diameter. Is the shape balanced? If the piece is a functional item does it work for its intended use?
2. A judge will see everything you see. Are there tool marks? Are all of the sanding marks gone? Is the finish evenly applied? Is the finish surface uniform? Is all of the CA glue gone except in the crack where its intended? Is the filler repair uniformly applied? Does the filler enhance the piece, i.e., does it contrast pleasantly with the background wood, blend in, or does it look out of place and call your eye to the repair? If you use beads or cuts in a piece for design features, are they uniform, consistently spaced, in the right relationship to the piece, in other words, does the feature enhance the piece or detract?
3. The judge had an expectation that each piece would be a form of communication between the artist and him. He constantly asked, "what was the artist trying to say with this piece?" If it wasn't self evident, he was confused. The pieces that got prizes typically were pleasing, they had nice shapes, uniform wall thicknesses, were well sanded and finished, had balance and generally, were well executed. Many pieces pushed the envelope [extended an old technique to new limits or in new directions]. Many pieces just called to the judge to fondle them.
My evaluation: I came away with a better understanding of what a serious turner/judge looks for in a turned object. I realize that planning your piece will solve many issues. Draw the piece out before you put it on the lathe. Examine the wood for checks, knots, blemishes, grain orientation in order to capture its best features. Size is not that important. Quality wins prizes, not size.
See Dan Hogan's article on the Glendale Woodturners Guild website at Finishing - Dan Hogan