treesner Posted July 12, 2017 Report Share Posted July 12, 2017 Curious if you guys ever do any furniture design competitions or the like? When I look through peoples portfolios I often see "ZZZ award" or "ZZZ competition winner" I was curious how one hears about/submits tho these types of things? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 Sometimes such competitions are linked with bigger events, like a state or even county fair. Sometimes they are sponsored by galleries or museums, or local arts / crafts guilds & clubs. I know@RichardA participated in one a year or so ago, maybe he can share some info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 Gee thanks Ross. I went to a juried craft show last year. It wasn't a competition, the jury was only to see if the work you were bringing was of a certain quality. The quality was there, but the buying public wasn't there. Very little was sold through out the whole show, it was a flop from the get go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 I'm not sure I'm at a level yet where I'd be comfortable with that kind of scrutiny. If I see problems, judges will see problems. Execution needs to be flawless from joinery to finish, and design and proportion are critical. Obviously this will depend on the level of competition you're entering...but I wouldn't want to enter one unless I had a perfect piece that I thought could win (I haven't built one of those yet). Otherwise you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. There are some mind-blowing pieces being built out there. I've considered sending a few pieces to FWW and trying to get them in the Gallery. I haven't done that for the sole reason that I never have good enough pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 2 hours ago, Eric. said: I'm not sure I'm at a level yet where I'd be comfortable with that kind of scrutiny. Couldn't have said it better. In my case, clients are asking for a piece based on the work they've seen. Judges are scrutinizing at a whole different level. When it comes right down to it, I am building what I hope will become valued 'family members' and not for ribbons or awards. Maybe my approach is in error but, I seem to stay busy enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekcohen Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 Well, I was placed first in two competitions last year ... And the other was in Australia (where I live) .. For this ... I have the following entered in the 2017 competition in a month: "sofa table with a hidden drawer" Hard Maple legs and apron with Sheoak top. If you look carefully, you will note that the apron is bowed to match the top. The face of the legs are curved as well. ... The hidden drawer runs the full length of the table .. Regards from Perth Derek 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 Derek, that is some beautiful work. Competition does not suit me. I never liked compeition and am allergic to feedback. But, I am a pretty strong critic of my own work. I only build furniture to make myself happy. I find external validation, particularly from strangers, really annoying. Either people praise things I don't find praise worthy, or they point out the obvious flaws. If I need feedback I will seek it from trusted friends or associates. I have found this to be true in all matters of my life. I don't like compliments and I hate constructive criticism. Every company I have ever worked for has a mentorship program that I avoided like the plague. In short, I'd rather talk about the weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 2 minutes ago, derekcohen said: Well, I was placed first in two competitions last year ... Yeah, but you're good . 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 Derek, is the lingerie chest an original design or a repro? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekcohen Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 34 minutes ago, Eric. said: Derek, is the lingerie chest an original design or a repro? Hi Eric That is an original design. The only piece I have ever copied, and deliberately, was the Wegner chair, and that was to test my ability to work accurately ... My copy on the left, the original on the right .. The build for the linegrie chest is on my website. It also has all the design decision. Scroll down this page .. http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/index.html The chest was my concept of a modern, contemporary bombe chest. It has curved sides and bow fronts. The dovetailed drawers were a real challenge as all the dovetails were compound curves .. Regards from Perth Derek 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekcohen Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 43 minutes ago, Mike. said: Derek, that is some beautiful work. Competition does not suit me. I never liked compeition and am allergic to feedback. But, I am a pretty strong critic of my own work. I only build furniture to make myself happy. I find external validation, particularly from strangers, really annoying. Either people praise things I don't find praise worthy, or they point out the obvious flaws. If I need feedback I will seek it from trusted friends or associates. I have found this to be true in all matters of my life. I don't like compliments and I hate constructive criticism. Every company I have ever worked for has a mentorship program that I avoided like the plague. In short, I'd rather talk about the weather. Mike, I enter for the comaraderie of contestants. Mostly I get my butt kicked. I am just a weekend warrior, and there are many guys out there that are really good. I really do not mind being scrutinised - we are all human and no one is perfect. I think that it is important to push oneself, and so I am willing .. look forward ... to taking these risks. I build furniture with build alongs on forums and the articles are posted on my website, warts and all. I have screwed up many a time - and learned how to repair and disguise the damage. The furniture builds are here: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/index.html Regards from Perth Derek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 And... that's just a bit above my ability. Beautiful work @derekcohen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 Great work, Derek. I saw your chair in the FWW when it came out. I was inclined to give you kudos here but I didn't want to give you a big head. Congrats on the achievements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewisc Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 41 minutes ago, derekcohen said: That is an original design. The only piece I have ever copied, and deliberately, was the Wegner chair, and that was to test my ability to work accurately ... My copy on the left, the original on the right .. The figure in those legs is stunning. Excellent selection. Your build journal is great to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 I already gave you some fair praise a few days ago, Derek. I'd not seen the Chest with the finish applied, I like the darker finish. The Jarrah you work with is stunning but the darker stain helps dampen the vibrant grain and accentuates the design, which in this case, I feel is a good thing. On competitions, I would encourage people to enter them. Take Eric for instance, his work would be very comfortable there. It's always good to see and take inspiration from those putting in the hours on their weekends and evenings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 I know this is a discussion that has already taken place, but after visiting your web site all I can say is that there are woodworkers and then there are artists. Your work is wonderful and IMO you are more than a woodworker. You are a truss artist. Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klappco Posted July 13, 2017 Report Share Posted July 13, 2017 Amazing work Derek! Another thing for me to aspire to. If I can get to 10% of your quality I will have increased my level by 1,000%! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treesner Posted July 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2017 On 7/13/2017 at 8:05 AM, Mike. said: Derek, that is some beautiful work. Competition does not suit me. I never liked compeition and am allergic to feedback. But, I am a pretty strong critic of my own work. I only build furniture to make myself happy. I find external validation, particularly from strangers, really annoying. Either people praise things I don't find praise worthy, or they point out the obvious flaws. If I need feedback I will seek it from trusted friends or associates. I have found this to be true in all matters of my life. I don't like compliments and I hate constructive criticism. Every company I have ever worked for has a mentorship program that I avoided like the plague. In short, I'd rather talk about the weather. I did a BFA in design so I kind of miss the scrutiny and very in depth feedback process that we all did in school. It's hard to find people who are willing to put in the time to actually look at the work and give their opinion. Majority of internet feedback tends to be 'awesome' 'love it' ect which is what had me thinking competitions would be a good way to seek feedback, as well as deadlines to finish projects which are always nice! On 7/13/2017 at 8:54 AM, derekcohen said: Mike, I enter for the comaraderie of contestants. Mostly I get my butt kicked. I am just a weekend warrior, and there are many guys out there that are really good. I really do not mind being scrutinised - we are all human and no one is perfect. I think that it is important to push oneself, and so I am willing .. look forward ... to taking these risks. I build furniture with build alongs on forums and the articles are posted on my website, warts and all. I have screwed up many a time - and learned how to repair and disguise the damage. The furniture builds are here: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/index.html Regards from Perth Derek Do you have any thoughts on how to find or how you found competitions to be apart of? I never really see them other than youtube 2x4 challenges ect 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted July 17, 2017 Report Share Posted July 17, 2017 Damn Derek, I for one am glad you stop in here, you inspire! As for your work on the website, I can gladly sum it up with a single word. Wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted July 17, 2017 Report Share Posted July 17, 2017 Competition? Sure... Let's do it! Pick a category, and lets make this happen on here! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted July 17, 2017 Report Share Posted July 17, 2017 Just now, Lester Burnham said: I'd like to submit an entry for "Most pocket screws used in a single project" but is winning that category really winning? Deep down, you know the answer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike T Posted July 17, 2017 Report Share Posted July 17, 2017 I could submit an entry for the most good intentions in shop setup, tool selection (that I never purchase) and projects that I wish I had the skills to build and then build none of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted July 18, 2017 Report Share Posted July 18, 2017 Didn't you already contact the Guiness people, about one of your previous projects, in that regard? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted July 18, 2017 Report Share Posted July 18, 2017 14 minutes ago, wtnhighlander said: Didn't you already contact the Guiness people, about one of your previous projects, in that regard? Is that the record book makers or the yummy stuff makers?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted July 18, 2017 Report Share Posted July 18, 2017 I'm pretty sure the record book people started with Guinness wanting a way to settle bar bets. So even if they are separate now they started together. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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