I make a lot of watchbands, heavy silver cuffs for high-quality
brand-name watches. I’d love to take a photograph of one to use as a
jury photo, but I worry that it might be perceived by a show jury as
somehow less “artistic”, since it features a clearly-branded
mechanical obect.
But, since so much jewelry features stones and objects that the
artist did not make, I wonder if this is a distinction without a
difference.
So my question for you boils down to this: Do you think a photo of a
nice watch on a great cuff could be as “artistic” and worthy of
consideration as a photo of a bracelet with a large stone? Thanks in
advance!
I took a look at your website to familiarize myself with your work,
and I think it’s really great!! My answer to your question is…YES,
absolutely.
My opinion about the show slide is…Make the watchband the focus of
the slide and the “name” of the watch less obvious. I think you have
accomplished that in some of your images. Do you sell the watchband
cuffs without the watches??? I have experience as a judge in the
jewelry category of a long running art show in my area. I have the
honor to do it again this year. I always look for original design,
fine craftsmanship, and wearability of the item, if in fact it is to
be worn, and not a piece intended as sculpture, that’s a different
category. I feel your watchbands are unique, and you are right in
wondering how judges may view the use of a “name brand”. I
particularly like the image where the watch is viewed from the side,
as to show more detail of the watchband and not the face of the
watch. Also I need to stress the obvious (with respect)… The
rules and regulations of the show and the entry guidelines are first
and foremost. If your application does not specifically say that
manufactured components are unacceptable, then by all means send an
image!
I’m curious to see the rest of the opinions, but I vote for sending
a slide!
That’s my 2 cents…is that where “talk is cheap” comes from???
Do you think a photo of a nice watch on a great cuff could be as
"artistic" and worthy of consideration as a photo of a bracelet
with a large stone?
Does it really doesn’t matter what we think? Don’t you want to find
out what a potential juror might think?
Take a picture of the watch (along with your other potential jury
pieces), find out who past jurors of the shows or publications you’re
interested in are and see if they are willing to look at your work.
Find out what they think.
I’ve spoken with several jurors of past shows and gotten their
feedback. Most are willing to offer an opinion or refer you to
someone else.
Don’t worry about what photographers, show representatives,
relatives or the man on the street say. They really don’t matter
either.
