Master Artisan Pathway- "MAP"
MAP Categories and Guidelines
GENERAL GUIDELINES
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Only original designs using real eggshells will be considered for assessment.
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Any size of eggshell, unless otherwise stated can be used. Designs using more than one egg, for example two eggs forming a heart shape, can be entered for assessment.
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Judges will score the following categories:
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Creativity and Originality - Only original designs allowed.
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Composition and Design - Use of the Principles and Elements of Design (Line, composition, space, movement, balance, emphasis, pattern, unity, color, contrast, rhythm, texture, value, form)
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Technique
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Craftsmanship and Presentation
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Degree of Difficulty
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Overall Impression
CATEGORY GUIDELINES
Where one or more techniques are used, please select the category which applies to the main technique. If you are unsure, you can ask for assistance by contacting us. Click on the photos to see a larger picture.
ACID ETCHING
A design where acid is used to remove areas of the shell to create a design. The overall design and technique execution will be assessed, and the level of difficulty will be taken into account. (Eggs, such as an emu, where different color layers exist will require more careful attention to detail).
APPLIED WAX
A design where wax is applied as part of the design and left in situ as part of the decorative technique, such as Madeira work, cross-stitch style etc. The even application of the wax to the egg will be considered, along with the complexity of the design. The judges will be looking for a mix of technique to include ‘drop-pull’. Additional cut work will add to the level of complexity.
ART BATIK
A design which uses the basic techniques of waxing and dyeing, without using traditional Pysanky motifs. This style of work is decorative and is not constrained by tradition.
ARTIST’S CHOICE (Includes Fabergé Inspired)
Let your creativity run riot with this category - any style, any combination of technique or use of material. The usual criteria of good workmanship will be assessed.
BEADED or JEWELED
A design where the main focus of the work involves the application of beading or jewels. Attention should be paid to the careful placement of beads, smoothness of the finish and uniformity of any pattern, such as a basket-weave. Other techniques can be incorporated.
CARVED
The shell should be carved into to create relief work, using a technique which involves deeper scoring of the shell than the scratch carving category. Attention should be paid to creating clean, smooth cuts. The carving should be well-balanced, and other techniques can be incorporated into the design.
DÉCOUPAGE
Attention will be paid to the accuracy of cutting the paper print (decals are not permitted) and the surface finish of the egg after the print has been buried. The surface should be perfectly smooth, free from blemish and should not have any unwanted particles embedded in the finish. This category is one where the egg has to be judged ‘in person’.
DIORAMA
The main focus of the design will be a scene that is created within the egg; however, this can also extend around the egg. The level of detail included will be assessed, however the exterior of the egg will also be looked at in detail. Any items made by the artist should be mentioned as this will be of benefit in the assessment. The usual criteria of a well-balanced and tasteful design will also apply.
HAND PAINTED or DRAWN
The design must be original and can be in any style; however, the complexity of the work will be given additional credit, and it is expected that the submission will show proportion, balance, and if appropriate, shadow, depth and good use of color to create an overall pleasing piece of work.
INTRICATELY CUT
Intricate cut work is the main focus of the work involved. The level of difficulty in terms of working with thinner shells will be taken into account, as well as the neatness of the cutting, the removal of membrane and the general balance and design of the work presented.
MECHANICAL
A design which incorporates movement within the design. The mechanisms used could be battery powered, using pulleys etc., but must operate smoothly. The judges may request a short video of the egg in action to determine the level of movement involved. Unless creating movement in addition to music, musical boxes do not fall into this category. The overall design, innovation and technical expertise will be assessed and taken into account when judging.
MINIATURE
A category where any style of work is acceptable, however the entire design (including the stand and any added items) should fit within a box 3" x 3" x 3" (7.5 x 7.5 x 7.5cm). Work will be assessed with the usual criteria of execution of techniques used, neatness of workmanship. Complexity of design and skills used will also be taken into consideration.
MIXED or OTHER MEDIA
Lots of scope for creativity in this category where a distinct additional style of work is added to the egg, such as polymer clay work, popotillo, quilling, scrimshaw and other paper crafting techniques (such as paper constructions/origami). This should not include work that falls readily into other categories such as paper sculpture work. Attention will be paid to the execution of the different techniques displayed with both being of an acceptable standard. Ingenuity will be a factor in the judging as well as the general standards of workmanship.
NOVELTY
A design which displays an unusual and novel concept. Examples could include a tea service, method of transport (car, boat etc.), wearable egg art. Attention will be paid to the unusual concept displayed in the entry as well as the general execution of workmanship and complexity of technique.
PAPER SCULPTURE
Paper Toile and Bas Relief fall within this category. Both methods of work include the accurate cutting of paper prints which are then built up into a 3-dimensional finish. The raised paperwork should be firm to the touch. The finished work should exhibit neat cutwork, and the design can be raised against the shell with the edges all touching the egg or, alternatively, certain areas can be raised permanently. Suitability of the paper print and originality of its application to the egg as well as the accurate execution of the technique will be taken into account.
PYSANKY-DIASPORA
This category allows the artist to combine traditional motifs (we require the artist to provide an explanation/meaning behind the symbols) with a free interpretation to create an original design using the wax and dyeing techniques.
SCRATCH CARVING
A design where the egg is dyed using either a natural or chemical dye and the surface ONLY of the shell is manually scratched to create shading, texture and a pleasing design.
We wish to thank the artists who participated in "Egg of the Month", Master Artisan Pathway and the IEAG Master Program whose egg art is shown. These are all considered fine examples of the styles shown.