So the competition that spurred this whole project is concluded and I received the Queen’s Prize which was a huge thing for me. My final scores were 37/50, 45/50, and 46/50. Very high scores!

The statue I was carving was not even close to complete but I did have enough of it done to show that I was going to do alright with it. Very ambitious for a first carving project and the draping on the dress and face looked very good. I will have to bring it back when it is finished and has its polychrome.

The research paper kind of exceeded “research paper” and was on its way to “thesis” level. The shrine itself was simply superb and the only negative thing that could be said was that it needed to be a bit fuller since the original examples had many layers to them that my shrine was only starting to show. And honestly ~ if that’s the worst thing that could be said about it then I’m doing really well.

I did not experience my usual level of “freak out” right before this competition. I really knew where I stood with all of my projects and there was absolutely no question what-so-ever about this being a period project even if it was something no one had heard of before. Having studied the period examples I was well in my element.

I have some problems with the format and documentation requirements. I don’t think it’s realistic to ask for an in-depth paper about your entry and then give the judges approximately 10 minutes to read it or go over it. I’m a slow reader (I have a higher than average retention rate though) and I’m sure that others have similar issues. I’d like to see the documentation move toward an essay exam format where the documentation consists of answers to specific questions. Then the oral portion can be an elaboration of written answers. Something that can be comprehended and discussed in a limited period of time. I did not however get to discuss this with the other entrants so I might be the only one who feels this way.

Over all I think it was a great experience. I would rather the triathlon be a super project that is defined as one project that included elements from three or more divisions rather than separate projects. Same idea as formerly being able to cross-enter a project. It would make things easier because you could have more judges and just have to present one item.

I’d do it again. I probably will do it again. I’d like to take it to Gulf Wars next spring because that A&S competition is more of a masterwork challenge. Lots of very big projects. Perhaps. Maybe.