Hi Moti,
We`ll have to see how the idea is viewed by people on this site as well as consider what the administrators have to say. The main thing for now is in my opinion, to find out what the members of Artmetal have in mind regarding the topic. That`s the key question: are there enough people supporting the idea to start with? Moti thanks for input and must say you have a good sense of humor! Nelson.

Jake,
That`s another turn for the issue, let`s say one of the many points to decide upon, I`d say to vote on. Of course, there`s no real need for cash prizes. First of all Jake, there`s got to be a significant amount of people participating, specially withing the Artmetal community, because it would not make sense to come up with a contest for an overwhelming mayority of outsiders, and an insignificant number of members. From that point on, we could advance suggesting bases or rules...turn for someone else. Thanks for input. Nelson.

I think keeping money out of it is good....I'm up for the challenge, and will contribute some money also. Also could do some type of cyber press release to get the site open to the public eye...would be fun. SteelyJan

Hi Janet,
It`s great to see how people are coming up with ideas on how to go about this. Definitely, that press release is great. Many times we talk about Galleries, and how we search promotion, exposure. Well here we have a powerful tool in our hands to help market so to speak, so much artistic talent within our community. And as I say this, just occur to me another wacky idea Jan, we could function as an online Artmetal Gallery, whereby our members products are marketed, and I see no problem contributing monetarily with "OUR" Gallery. Here, aggressive marketing plan would be necessary...let`s leave that wacky one for later on huh, or this will turn into a messy soup! Thanks Jan. nelson.

Hi Jammie,
Regarding a community meeting, yes that would be great, wow, but Ì`m not sure about how possible that might be for now. Anyhow, there`s an idea, let`s see what the reaction to it will be. People, could come up and say hey, that`s one of the most stupid ideas ever herd on this site, and that`s ok, that`s valid, the main thing here is to participate and honor the recently "Say what you think" post by Chuck. I believed that concept is perhaps the most important issue regarding this site, the essence of it, participating preceeds sharing any thoughts, ideas, images, techniques, and what have you! Thanks Jammie for participating. nelson.

Hey Nelson,

So maybe the idea of meeting in person wasn't so good due to the times, but I do think we should send in the piece. If the project is kept small enough like Jake suggested then the shipping costs will be minimal compared to the cost of a flight to what ever destination is chosen.

It is also left up to the Artist to decide for him/herself what materials to use by his/her shipping budget to the destination as well as return. If money is an issue then a light weight metals should be chosen etc. I just don't like the idea of setting such limitations...practical yes, but not dirt cheap(just my opinion).

Time frame being another issue, I think most of us could plan out 3 months from now financially (for shipping and any extras) as well as project planning. I've seen a lot of you whip through this site posting a few sculptures a month.

It's all possible...the images I think could make, or break an entry. Some aren't as camera savvy as others, and I think this could be a problem with angles. Not shooting anyone down, but if we're going to focus on getting more publicity and draw in new comers from the outside then the images should be uniform for all(just my opinion).

I think Chuck's idea of the winner/s being listed as the "Artist of the month," on the site for that month would be a great prize. Otherwise I think that would be a bit much to have to list one every month(I'm thinking of Enrique, and the job of having to list it)...may not be much, but still one more thing to do.

One more thing to think about...there are many competitions and shows of that nature going on right now. Most of them require some sort of fee etc.etc., and granted some are more publicized than others so the callings are a bigger turn out, but what I'm getting at is that the other venues aren't dropping their fees, and altering the show just because of the times. I'm not saying it should be an expensive thing either, but I think we should plan this out, make it affordable, and spend the money wisely in promotion of what we love.

P.S. the last juried art show I entered was $45.00. Ours could be less...and it was non-refundable too.

Cheers,

Jamie Santellano

Jamie,
I think your idea about meeting in person and your idea of sending the sculpture are not bad at all. The guys that have answered this proposal, suggested also other issues to take in consideration. Now Jamie, we can easily lose track of the main issue here, without which all this talk could be considered a simple waste of time. What`s the issue? Do we want a sculpture contest? Yes or no? Then we`d manage to arrange a time frame, and whatever comes to mind to please the majority. Being able to vote on any proposal on this site may be a great tool to pursuit improvements. So far only 10-11 people have answered this proposal. All right, we have to be patient and allow time for people to join in. Great, but I made a simple analysis: what`s the average number of people answering any given blog of considerable importance for the site and for us as individuals too.
Optimistically speaking, I don`t think the number ever gets to 20, probably around 15. Traveling to meet has a high cost, shipping a sculpture and making it has some costs, etc, etc. What`s the cost of hitting the keyboard of our PC to briefly answer a blog. Draw your own conclusions. I`m starting to think I gave this blog a wrong title, maybe "say what you think part II" would`ve been more appropriate. Perhaps, this proposal sucks, like I said before the essence of this proposal IS NOT the sculpture contest itself, no, neither is it a will to be the star of the show. What it really is, has to do with finding ways to motivate people to participate, namely, to interact with each other respectfully, to share, to learn, to have fun, in other words: an intent to generate interaction of any sort related to art of course. We all can improve in so many ways, the site can improve, and most definitely the world needs improvements.
What do we have to offer? Nothing? Gee, I refuse to believe that. Please, participate, we are alive! Lets wake up and speak up, and leave so much indifference and apathy aside. If we don`t like a proposal, is best to say FUCK it, that`s okay, but suggest one if you may. There`s got to be something that moves us. Sorry guys, this is Nelson speaking sincerely from the heart with no intention whatsoever to offend anybody. There`s got to be a positive way out. Any ideas guys? Nelson.

In my opinion time frame, should not be a problem. There`s no hurry, whether it takes a month or even a year to structure everything. For now this is just a proposal, and before we make any progress, the idea has to have enough support to keep talking about it in the first place. Once it`s clear that we want to pursuit it, then and only then could we start proposing the rules or bases for the contest, and along with that questions like: who, how, when, where, how much and so many more ,could then start to be answered. Seemingly, the starting question now is: do we want a sculpture contest here in Artmetal? Thanks for input. Nelson.

Nelson,
Okay what you are proposing has been proposed on this site many times through out the years. Somehow it never seems to happen very successfully. It seems we get a lot of head nods and sure I am in and then when it gets to deadline all sorts of excuses pop up. Charging a fee for it would not fit with the intent of this site, same issue of having a gallery for selling items.
For some of the old same type deals search for the "book" posts and I think there was another one about if the shoe fits wear it. Also many years ago there was another of making playing cards.
What you can do just to get a vibe from the folks here is put up a poll post and ask the members to vote if they would like to have a contest. Of course a lot of the guidelines would have to be determined before anyone voted so they would know what they are getting into.
But first you may want to send a private email to Enrique and see if the site has the capabilities to set up voting for online type gallery.

Just for what it worth, artist are good at agreeing but seldom take the effort to go through.

www Metalrecipes -- heat and beat to the desired shape, repeat as necessary.
warren

Hi Warren, I agree that if we come up with a plan without structure, that 9 times out of 10 an artist will flake out. However, especially with the core group here, if there is someone to head up the event, a deadline, and either digital format submissions or make the sculpts small enough to encourage shipping then I don't see a problem. Whoever participates gets the exposure and feedback and those that don't don't. Keeping it simple and with deadlines is key in my opinion.

A fun thing that was done around here for at an art center was they handed us all a piece of.062 thick aluminum in the shape of a heart and said make us something for a valentines day show. There were 182 submissions, and the results were as varied as you could imagine. It was great to see the different creative processes all come from the same starting point. It also levels the playing field and goes a long way keeping the art roughly the same size, which might be a tool to help control shipping costs if we end up actually shipping the pieces.

I'm with Jamie, it'd be nice to meet everyone in person, just not sure how practical it is since we have a pretty global community.

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE

Hey Jake,

I think you hit something really great with this idea of the heart...not that that would be the same for this show, but the idea of keeping it small, and focused on a project like a heart makes this simple in terms of what to do. I think I prefer the idea of leaving it up to the Artist to create from other metals such as copper, brass, etc.etc., but still I think the idea is great.

I know that our community is global, but I would travel the distance to participate in a show...those of us who do this for a living can write it off our businesses. I know it's not very practical, but still something to consider. =D

Cheers,

Jamie Santellano

Jake,
The heart idea is interesting and I`m sure there are hundreds more. First thing: "say what you think" about the proposal. In regards to shipping, well if that`s what is voted, then we`d have to ship, but considering what you said that this is a global community, shipping costs may be considerable for some folks, I don`t know. There might be a simpler way for a start, like sending pics from so many angles of the piece, and as a first online contest the participating pieces would not have to be shipped. I don`t mean to be a party pooper, but for the sake of simplicity and to get the most people warmed up for this sort of events we`re not used to, then that approach may increase the number of entries, and actualparticipants. There are going to be so many issues within the proposal, that a list may need to be made and voted to decide democratically. One thing is for sure, we need people to speak up, beyond the usual faces that frequently answer posts, which in my opinion is a limited number considering the total amount of members on this site. So please, everyone give us your opinion on this. Nelson.

I actually agree with you on the digital picture submissions, I think we will get a better turnout and it will be easier to display the "show" online.

Jake

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE

Hi Warren,
I was very excited over the issue, now I`m only excited which isn`t bad yet. Well, I understand what you`re saying, that`s the reason charging a fee would somehow compromise a bit. Some of you, I see are concerned about the deadline, as I said earlier, that should not be a concern yet, and it could be voted on for majority approval also. To me, the key issue is: do we want a sculpture/Functional Art contest? The rest will derive, or not, from that first decision. The great majority of artists/articians on this site make a living making not sculpture but functional art. So there could be a category or that could be the only category instead of sculpture. Warren the idea behind this proposal is not extrictly focused on sculpture, techniques, or other forms of art, no, the idea is to freshen up with new ways to improve interaction within the site, and why not, also with outsiders. Also activities like contests, are fun, interesting, and a great opportunity to break monotonous trends that may bore people out. The no fee issue should be analyzed I think, and if you ask me, even put up for voting, I don`t know. Hopefully, this money issue won`t be misunderstood for there are costs, and other considerations. There are probably rules on this site, but what the heck, if we agree on making an exception as every rule has one, and it`s beneficial for the site, then f...the rule. When Rich gets back I`m getting my ass kicked out of this site, LOL. Anyway, perhaps some of the issues around the proposal may appear outrageous, or they may be creative. If the primitive horse did not evolved into new species, there wouldn`t be cebras, and giraffes... which are nice too! Regarding the gallery sculpture selling, I should not have mentioned it, that`s probably the giraffe and we`re still on the horse.You`ve been around the site longer than many people here, but I respectfully hope you`ll be wrong this time regarding artists participation on any contest they decide to support. Oh Warren, I really hope not to get deeper in trouble for big mouth. Leave you for now, and thanks for input. Nelson.

Hi George,
Thanks for your input and invitation to participate in your gallery. Please don`t get lost, and bear with us to help improve the site and our capabilities. Nelson.

Hi Lorri,
The art show in OH sounds interesting, on that event and more, the people reading here will have the call.
Regarding your airbrush contests experience, I believe it`s just a matter of time, and breaking the ice of that first experience. Once you get over all the organizing obstacles and get used to them, it`s then all fun and even gets addictive. As a tell everybody, for better or worse, keep in touch to see what we come up with...Thanks for input. Nelson

Hi Lorrie, I like your idea/offer. I am very interested in participating and agree that the artist should pay for shipping both ways. My concern is who would take care of the "group" display? Would the gallery take care of it, or would someone have to head it up. Depending on the deadline im in for the artomatic419 and definitely open to other shows, Im sure Janet would be in as well.

This would probable be better in a new thread.

Jake

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE

Hi Chuck,
You know buddy this no ego trip, whether the thread is hot or cold. I really enjoy it, regardless of who`s post it is, when people get involved and the whole thing gets dynamic like wow, who`s gonna stop this now. Indeed, it`s as much a pleasure to participate in spontaneous talk as it is to contemplate all the beautiful work produced by the artists on this site. Yes Chuck, that`s another good idea, perhaps less aggressive, but simpler too. You guys got the call. And the growing from simpler to the more complex, is probably the way to go. Meeting people would be a trip! Well literally a trip, a trip that some or many may not be able to afford now? That "say what you think" post is very basic, essential for improvement. I think Chuck, you and I have the ability to get in trouble rather easily with this kind of posts, but something positive must be left after all, right ? And I`m sure you enjoy all the rambling too. Regarding the chat room, man you missed the time announcement to chat a few months back ...I think it might be easier to get an sculpture contest going, LOL, but like Woodford pot goes: "They couldn`t hit an elephant this distance"...and look what happened. A pleasure pal. nelson.

you really started something here....I'm up for whatever...
I would definitely pay for the shipping of a small piece back + forth to the gallery. An ArtMetal show would be fun!!!
SteelyJan

Janet,
That`s what we need: to be UP. We`d like to see more than the usual faces come UP and make proposals of any sort. New strategies to motivate people, please those who can help, bring your ideas Up to this site... we need them. Nelson.

Your Honor, I plead insanity......

I'm CRAZY about this adventure.....

Perhaps categories with a finalist....
Frank

Frank,
Me too, totally insane!
As someone suggested, a site voting system where any topic can be assessed may prove useful, let`s wait for the administrators input. Neverthess, the important thing here without getting into details yet, is to know if the proposal is appealing to people. Let`s hope more members plead so...Nelson.

I'm game. I really like the sound of an Art Metal Show.
KevinW