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Montpelier show

Susan White and I had a meetup at the Montpelier show yesterday and enjoyed viewing the 120 or so pieces on display. Some were quite lovely and different; others we thought, "Why did that particular one get a ribbon, because it seems rather ordinary?" Interesting to see how our opinions overlapped and differed with judges. A delightful show. It used to be in the spring, and this year moved to the fall, which probably affected the number of entries (down slightly) this year until people's memories make the adjustment.

There is a sales area at the end of the show and I succumbed to temptation (of course!) We've been counting our pennies lately - more outgo than income - but I found a way to treat myself to a few smackerels of overdyed fabric at a price that couldn't be beat (5 cents per square inch) by buying small pieces for bookmarks and an ornament. I'll have great pleasure stitching these bits 'n' bobs for gifts or for myself!

One thing that struck me...a few of the pieces, while technically difficult and done with great proficiency, struck me as slightly "soul-less." Is it possible for something to be TOO perfect? I'd love to hear your ideas on that. (One of them is a piece I have in progress, and it struck me as being "neater" than mine - that is, more proficiently stitched - but also "flatter" in some dimensional sense. Is there a dimension that is imparted by the sheer personality of the stitcher?)

sue

Reply to
Susan Hartman
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Sue, I think you are referring to "character". Artists are not just technicians - they must impart part of their soul into a piece. Whether that's playing the violin or stitching embroidery. One can be a great technician and yet not have that artistry that makes people look twice (or want to hear/see more).

Dianne

Reply to
Dianne Lewandowski

I remember a show from MASH where the patient, who was a well known concert pianist, had lost his right hand. Charles (the snooty character) w3as the Dr. and he was quite upset and wanted to help the young man overcome his depression about not being able to play piano anymore. Charles had gotten the young man a bunch of sheet music written specifically for left handed only pianists. When the young man saw the sheet music, he got even more depressed and sort of pitched a hissy fit. Charles' response was to tell the patient that he still had the soul, knowledge and experience of a great pianist. While he (Charles) was as proficient at playing the piano as the young man, he (Charles) didn't have a pianists soul. Because he just played the notes but didn't "feel" them and never would, his playing was technically perfect but didn't "sing" or inspire others to feel the music, also. I think this is the same thing you are talking about. Dianne's comment about character is the same sort of thing. Something can be technically "perfect" but if the person doing whatever it (be it piano playing or needlework) doesn't have a TRUE love for his craft of art, etc., then people viewing or listening or watching are not "inspired". It's one of those things you "know" but can't really explain!! CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary /\__/\

Reply to
Tia Mary

On 11/21/2011 10:17 AM, Tia Mary wrote: .

That's exactly it, Tia Mary and Diane - I couldn't explain it, couldn't quantify it, only FEEL it.

sue

Reply to
Susan Hartman

I remember this episode, TM! It was very touching. IIRC, I *think* the composer was Ravel.

Joan

Reply to
Joan E.

I wish there would be more TV like MASH

Reply to
Cheryl Isaak

I did! :)

Reply to
Joan E.

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