Comments on: Should Furniture Be Judged?

By: Matthew Teague

Matthew Teague — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:31:13 +0000

Yes, definitions and parameters for what is important in furniture vary from one person to another. For my own pieces, I consider function, execution and aesthetics as fairly equal in weight. (Except with chairs, where comfort (or function) may take the lead.) For the Guild I’m in, I can’t recall our exact definition of what is fair game for submissions, but it’s something along the lines of “anything that functions as or makes a statement about furniture.” It opens the door to more sculptural works where function isn’t necessarily job one. This lets each particular maker decide what’s most important to them.

By: 7-Thumbs

7-Thumbs — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:39:56 +0000

I suppose if someone entered their piece in a contest it’s OK to judge; after all that is what the maker is looking for. However, I view furniture as a functional piece and furniture as art as two different things. A chair that is a beautiful piece of art but is uncomfortable is, to me, worthless as furniture. It is interesting that the three criteria you noted for judging did not include functionality, why? Personally, I would not judge furniture as art unless it was also functional. A piece that is beautiful to look at but non-functional is not furniture, it is only art no different that a painting. Art is in the eye of the beholder and is therefore difficult to judge. I’ve seen art pieces in museums that I would have called trash but then I’m not an art connoisseur. So bottom line, furniture should be judged first on woodworking skill, then functionality of the piece and lastly based on its look (artistic appeal).

By: Matthew Teague

Matthew Teague — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 23:52:21 +0000

Having just gone through this process, I agree that the styles of some makers are easily identifiable. But there are always a few surprises. Afterwards you’ll hear, “I can’t believe so-and-so built that” or “I would have bet good money that was from _____.” Sometimes (I’d even say usually) being identifiable is good thing. And sometimes it’s not. . . . In any jury process I’ve ever seen, however, I’m always surprised that the maker’s name doesn’t seem to lend their work any points.

By: Matthew Teague

Matthew Teague — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 23:45:24 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. And when a piece is judged, you have to judge it on it’s own terms – a period replica, for instance, sets itself up for criticism that wouldn’t be fair game for an original design. . . and vice-versa.

By: Bill Lattanzio

Bill Lattanzio — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:56:38 +0000

Furniture should be judged only if you put it out there to be judged. Other than that no. I’ve seen rustic tables, chairs and benches, that while not conventionally beautiful, nonetheless have a certain beauty to them because of the service it provided, and because of the way they were constructed with skill. I’ve seen pieces made by students, and beginners like myself, that may be simple but also have solid joinery and carefully fitted parts because they were made with pride.
So unless it’s being sold either in a store or as plan no furniture should be up for criticism. Those who do critique privately made pieces are nothing more than snobs.

By: coop

coop — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:41:24 +0000

I have had experince in being judged at shows, although it was not furniture (colonial powder horns). The critiqueing is useful and helps to develope your skills,but can be sometimes hurt when you know you did your best and see work that placed that you feel is not of the same standard as yours. Also even though the judges supposedly dont know who the craftsman is. All craftsman have there own unique style which is just like putting your name on the product.So when you see the same people placing in the top and not to discredit there work you have to wonder why. All this said I still enter because what they might not like I know someone else will and that is how you get bussiness. Hope this helps coop

By: Jonas Jensen

Jonas Jensen — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:47:02 +0000

I have never entered neither shows nor exhibitions.
First, there haven’t been any shows etc. that I was aware of, where you could enter.
Second, I think I would be afraid to enter, because if someone judged my work to be ugly, I guess my feelings would be hurt. I guess I could try once, but if the first time wasn’t a success, then I am pretty sure that I would never ever submit another piece.
If I myself is happy with the piece and proud of it, then I don’t get anything out of someone telling me that it is wrongly constructed, ugly finished, a crappy finish and so on.
But I am glad that you explained how things are actually done in a jury, so maybe I’ll give it a go if there is a show near enough.
Best regards
Jonas (Denmark)