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Originally Published Spring 2000
Perception .... it is at the core of the design of our
pieces and colors everything we see and do, what we think and who we are.
Last fall, I was one of three pages at a national exhibit. Being in the
background allowed me to observe and to see the show more objectively than
when responsible for judging a show. Observing the judges' attitudes,
judgments and negotiations as they take place is interesting to say the
least. To watch the passion for the art, the love of it, the excitement
about particular pieces in each judge's heart and mind is very inspiring.
The judging process in itself generates many emotions. Not only are
techniques important but, of course, so is the design, color, use of
stitches, etc. The position of judging is one of power. But is that the
main ingredient? Some judges may see it this way. Some entrants may see it
this way. It is very flattering to be hired as a "judge." It
would seem to indicate that a particular individual is respected for her
knowledge and expertise. Quite an honor! However, as the old adage says --
"Beware of the person who thinks more highly of himself than he ought
to think."
Isn't judging more one of responsibility? A responsibility to
understand all aspects of the art and to try to perceive the soul of the
artist? The best advice ever given a number of years ago was from a dear
friend and mentor -- "Be very careful, tread softly, you are dealing
with their souls (artists/stitchers)."
Although I am always honored and excited when invited to judge, I am
also apprehensive, and concerned that I do the job well. Reviewing judging
books and my journal before each show relieves some of the tension. I
always pray (yes, I really do - don't believe in taking unnecessary
chances) that I will make all wise decisions. If not humility isn't a good
friend! A lot of calories are burned thinking about each piece and all the
facets of judging it. I was once facetiously told that thinking so hard
while stitching or judging bums calories and will make you thinner. Sounds
good? So far, only my hair is thinner!!
Back to judging and the show. The judges worked very hard, studied each
piece thoroughly, and their negotiations regarding ribbon decisions
indicated they knew their field. One of the incidents that reminds one to
think before speaking was when, later in the week, a certified judge was
overheard criticizing the show judges for their ribbon decisions -- a
definite breech of professional etiquette. Of course we are not all going
to look at the same piece the same way. Did it make this judge appear
wiser than the other judges?
"Judges always have a power attitude anyway!" - a comment
recently made by a teaching colleague. Is this the way most stitchers see
the judges? Do we come across this way to most people? Is it the
individual's insecurity when his/her piece is being judged? I am still
thinking about this one.
Two to three months after this exhibit, a teacher wrote to me to tell
me one of her students was so discouraged after entering the show and not
winning a ribbon that she was unable to stitch. After long email chats
with her and discussing philosophies and the love of needlepoint, she was
put in touch with one of the judges -- so she could discuss the piece with
her and learn from the evaluation. Her perception was that she couldn't
ask the judge anything. She didn't understand the scoring and thought
since she didn't win a ribbon, this was the end of it. Dolores Andrews'
admonition during NAN's Judge's Certification was, "You must be able
to back up your opinion, if you are asked." Judges aren't gods - they
are just people with opinions and (knowledgeable) perceptions.
Communication is important. Judges must make themselves accessible to
the entrants whose pieces they judge and open to any questions. On the
flip side, the entrants need to feel free to ask for clarifications and be
ready to hear the answers. |
