Group Build 6 month- open class (9-1-08) $$PRIZE

[Geek44]

We all build to our own standard and experience levels...and that's as it should be. As far as I'm concerned, the idea of 'not good enough' is non-existent. If there was a magazine available that featured only 'first attempts' by people I'd still buy it. This is the spirit of the club I joined here and also the spirit of the builds. We're all equals. I LOVE seeing whatever it is people do. It's not about how 'good' or 'bad' stuff is. For me, it's about feeling what people put 'of themselves' into their efforts. Modelling is such a 'Zen' thing to do. It goes way beyond 'hobby'. People dedicate themselves. They research minutely and learn. When they build, it's common for them to experience the 'relativity' of time...'Oooops, there went four hours and I hardly noticed'. what this indicates is that they are putting a tiny part of their spirit into what they're doing...it isn't anybody's place to judge something as important as that as worthy or not. In truth, we're all students. Our best is whatever it is and should be regarded with appropriate respect. That's my two cents on whether anybody is 'good enough' to participate. To all who contributed to these builds...
Peace.

[MAGNA]

I fully agree with that Geek. Well put. The only one I really criticize is myself. I like to pretend it's because I am a perfectionist but I think it's more that I run out of patience and time. Definitely happy with what I have got out of this one even though it won't be quite finished - I'll post it anyway.

BTW - is it possible to PM pics or not? I need to send some to enter.

[Geek44]

And that's part of the reason I posted what I did...we're always our own worst critics mate. Look forward to seeing your stuff. ;(
Frankly, if I had even the faintest whiff of elitism or snobbery around here, you wouldn't see me for dust.

[Whiterook]

I've always loved your comment on model building being Zen, Nick...a concept that has stuck with me! Very true!!! And now, putting part of your spirit in the work...that's another inspired observation mate. Don't let that go to your head!

[Geek44]

Ever read 'Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance'?
Anyone who 'makes, builds, creates anything with dedication and care is doing this. Perhaps not consciously though...we all have our own 'style' or 'look' to our models. There it is right there.
We all worship Mars in our own way. ;(
There was a Polish sculptor who migrated to the US after the war...the bulk of his work is in America...it's big stuff too. Statues and the like, not for the mantlepiece. A friend of mine introduced me to this bloke. Name of Szukalski...I forget his first name. My friend bought me a small book that outlined this guy's ideas on 'race'...he was a nut job actually. He had some nazi-esque ideas about 'superiority' and 'inferiority' but didn't subscribe to genocide by any means. Funnily, he didn't consider his own race to be superior. I offer that only as a background. My point is this. He wrote some pretty cool stuff too. One thing he wrote, I saw fit as a younger man (and an aspiring artist) to copy into my diary word for word...I think it applies to modelling just as much. It's a little long but worth it...

[Geek44]

'Some of the captions with these sculptures are remote, because I wish to smuggle into the reader's mind that art (modelling) is far simpler than the pseudo-profound orations of contemporary intellectuals imply.

In many cases, among the finest examples of art, the creators were simple-minded people who expounded no theories about their profession, but merely followed their instictive judgements like regular workers. I shall approach you as possible youths who long to create with impatient hands, but may have become paralysed by self-doubt because the epoch has built so many sterile notions. From my long life as a sculptor, I can tell you the real truth, since my superflous skills qualify me to call my opinions valuable.

Simple. You need no qualifications (like slim fingers, soulful looks or a murmuring stomach that the person next to you could suspect as being the voice of God). Simply proceed without training for art schools will give you sterile advice that will prove that you have no talent at all. Start your first work and continue to work without asking anyone's opinions, until you are trapped in it and unable to stop. That being 'caught' by what you do is the signal that you have serious potential.

The fact that you are drawn into that first work proves that you have character. Having character is a talent, a superior quality. And it is you patience that may shape a lump of clay into an 'interesting' object. art must be interesting, but only to you, not your professor, father or preist. You are the final judge because it is you who is doing the daring.

Now indeed, every lump of clay (kit) is given a chance to become a masterpiece, born under the palm of your hand and cherishing gaze of your eyes. It is not the concept (for in the beginning all concepts are worthless) that makes it eloquent, but the surfacing of your biological potentials. It is your belief in yourself that will make everything you do an eventual masterpiece'.

Heady stuff...I haven't read these words for years until now and I still find them inspiring.

[Whiterook]

Heady stuff indeed, and thanks for sharing that my friend! Wise words, even if he was a bit off his bean in other areas; but I also put forth, what Artist worth his/her salt is not a bit off their bean!

In art school, I think I was rather fortunate in putting two and two together so quickly with the realization that it was I who was the audience and judge...and it wasn't actually all that quick, I suppose, as it was clear into my second year before I allowed the term/moniker "Artist" to even be considered for use in referencing me. Devotion and dedication to any worthwhile task makes us all Artists, and indeed, kindred spirits. Here's to the Artist in all of us mates!

[flammpanzer]

Here is my Leopard so far



some of my Dads plants got on it an I took the pictur anyway. I will take it off. The soldier is from world war2 and i might use him any way.
flammpanzer

[MAGNA]

That figure looks good already. A really nice 'lean' to him.

[Geek44]

Isn't that figure from Tamiya's Jpz. IV L/70 kit? I think I have him somewhere...he looks good in his new ride.
Flamm...the Leopard looks awesome. Clean and tidy. A very well built model mate...looking forward to seeing more.