Though your post appears to be just a wee bit tongue firmly
in cheek, it does touch on a subject for discussion - the
fallacious art vs craft constructed wall.

Following the example set by the marketing campaign
furniture makers took - going from furniture makers
to Studio Furniture ARTISTS - and for some - very
profitably - the AAW (American Association of Wood-
turners) has trended towards ART Turnings and
Studio Turners. It's not about Art OR Craft - it's
about MONEY.

THAT brings in The Critiques - not peer turners - but
people who make a living "critiqueing" things done
by others - and probably couldn't actually do them-
selves. What those folks need is a constant supply
of New And Different and their goal is to "discover"
the Next Andy Warhol of the Turned Art World.
"Unusual", "Ground Breaking", "Seminal", "Thought
Provoking", "Disturbing", "Shocking" and "Evocative"
are the types of things they want to write about
- and make a name for themselves - the primary
goal.

So if you want to become a rich and famous
celebrity turner Artist you must put your
fate in The Critiques hands. That's the
Faustian Bargain.

But if you want to turn things that please
you and maybe some folks you know and
whose opinion you value - turn a lot and
turn all sorts of things. If you find something
that has promise - do more and keep making
each one better than the last, or at least
correcting things that bugged you on the
last piece. If you pay attention your
technique for that particular type of piece
will get progressively better and the form
will get better and better.

The alternative, if generating revenue
to support The Habit is what you're
after - turn bottle stoppers, pens, rolling
pins, nut and fruit bowls, maybe some
spoons or magic wands.

And remember, you're probably your
own worst critic - which isn't a bad
thing if it keeps you wanting to
improve your turning.

babble mode OFF

charlie b