It’s open to those who live in our town, or have a strong connection to it, and is run by our local council. Apparently they have it every two years, but I had never heard of it before - it was Anita who told me about it. There are three categories - amateur, professional, and sculpture. They should have amateur and professional sculpture because now that this other artist has entered I don’t stand a chance! They don’t have very many people enter the sculpture section though. Also, the prize money is less for a sculpture than a painting, which I don’t think is fair.

There is no theme, and the judging is done by our local Mayor (whoever he is!) and some “arty” types. I swing from feeling nervous about it, to thinking “It’s out of my hands now, what’s the point in worrying?” But tonight, I am worrying!

When I was dropping off my competition piece yesterday, I met an artist who I had never really met properly before, but I have admired her work for some time. She is one of those truly multi gifted people. She sculpts in clay and papier-mache, and is a fantastic painter too. No doubt her sculpture will be there on preview night and I shall take a photo of it to put on my blog.

I need to say that the word hobbyist was incorrect. I knew it as soon as I posted it but since I did it so late, I thought “eh, I’ll fix it in the morning” and then of course life got in the way. I almost never go back and correct a post after I have published it, but in this case I think I might.

Secondly I think it is great that you enjoy so many different artistic endeavors. I have always been one to try something, then do it until I couldn’t take it anymore, then try something else. I know alot of very talented artists who are multi gifted and have varied interests. I think an artist should always do what gives them pleasure. However when applying to galleries or artshows, having a theme as it were, will get you ahead quicker. Just one more of those artsy fartsy rules that have no real basis in logic.

I’ve thought about what my “thing” would be, but to be honest I have enjoyed doing everything I have done so far, and I’m not very good at sticking to just one thing. I thought clay would be my thing, but I have really enjoyed painting. Then I thought triptychs would be my thing, but I have realy enjoyed portrait drawing. Then I thought portraits would be my thing, but I have really enjoyed creating my 3D piece. Ah, Jack of all trades and master of none! It seems I am destined to remain a hobbyist!