Basic Rules of Judging
or
"WHAT HELPS MAKE A WINNING SHOW PIECE?"

BEFORE YOU START
1. Try to make something you want for the home or as a gift for a friend.
2. Select a technique you enjoy doing.
3. Use colours you like.

WHAT DO JUDGES LOOK FOR?
All entries are assessed by two or three independent judges who consider four (4) basic areas and subtract points if they see problems.  The areas are: DESIGN, COLOUR, ORIGINALITY, and WORKMANSHIP.  The Workmanship is probably the area where most points can be lost.

TAKE CARE WITH THE FOLLOWING:
1. Casting: The greenware must be well cast and it is up to the student, guided by the teacher, to select a quality piece, no distortion, no rings or drips inside or out. Not too heavy and the bottom must be level so it stands flat. Handles to be solid on all utility ware.  Lids must fit properly and 'add-ons' must be in the correct place.  The item must not be warped or poorly shaped.

2. Cleanup: In cleaning the seam line, there should be no 'trenched' or indented look, and all pinholes or marking should be repaired. Smooth out drips and runs.  Mending and joining should be undetectable. Special attention should be paid to rims and pouring spouts. The inside of the piece should be as tidy as possible. This includes figurines!  After the bisque firing make sure all dust particles are removed inside and out. Also make sure all stilt points are smoothed out.

3. Product: Proper use of product is essential. The perfect finish includes not leaving the bottom of the piece bare.  This is known as "dry-footing" and is not allowed – with the exception of weighted chess pieces and book ends which can be felted. No Textured Glaze or Textured Stain should be used on the bottom of pieces. Use a smooth glaze or matching coloured stain on the base to suit the overall piece according to the section you have entered in.  Roll glazing is very important. Make sure you don't miss inside rims and spouts.  For a utility piece, roll glaze inside even if you are using a non-fired product on the outside.

4. Degree of Difficulty: There are many techniques that present a greater risk of failure to the artist, due to the degree of difficulty in executing them.  For example, controlled glazing is more difficult to achieve than just applying one glaze to a piece; or, the more times a piece is fired the greater the risk.

5. Originality: This involves the use of imagination to create an exciting and different effect, or a unique use of product. Since birds, leaves, flowers and water are not original, the originality lies in the way these elements are combined to create a totally new idea, concept, or perception of reality. Modify these original creations with lines, shapes, colour and textures to show the true nature and talent behind the creator.
First impressions and initial impact on the judges are very important. Ensure your piece stands out from the crowd.

6. Design and Colour: Once you have achieved a high quality of WORKMANSHIP and ORIGINALITY, design and colour will be an automatic result – creating that eye-pleasing appeal that makes everyone love it immediately.

Some hints as to why the judges may have reason to disqualify your piece or subtract lots of points:
Cracks, Chips, Dry-footing, Breaks (e.g. legs), Hollow handles in food items, rough textures on bases of pieces, Names not covered, unglazed surface inside utility ware, a piece entered in a wrong Category, a piece entered in wrong Classification, pieces glued on (other than music boxes, carousels or tiles), Seminar pieces, felt on pieces not specified.  If you are unsure about any of these matters ask your teacher or telephone a CAA Committee member.

A piece which has won a major prize in another show should not be entered, nor should one completed prior to twelve months before the show you are now entering.  It is also important you read the Show's Competition rules for the current year. There may be some small but important changes since last year.

For your further information – any plates, teapots, steins, breadcrocks etc, which are intended for non-functional use, must have "DECORATIVE ONLY" written clearly on the base, so that they will be eligible for judging. Any type of name or signature must be taped over to make it unreadable. This applies no matter where it is on the piece.

We do hope this information will help you in some way when preparing your entries and will make you more successful in your ceramic art work.

Good Luck at this year's Ceramic Art Show!