2022 World Fish Carving Championships Rules and Regulations
New Rules Established for Determining Divisions and Categories
Following the 2017 World Fish Carving Championships, a committee was established to evaluate all aspects of the WFCC and make recommendations to the show organizer and chairman Larry Blomquist. Entries numbers had dropped over the past few show where many of the categories (40 total) of the various levels had no entries or only one entry. Entries with no competition against them were winning ribbons by default. This committee was asked to submit a revised structure of the categories under the various divisions to better represent the changes the competition has seen over the past four WFCC shows. It was never the intentions of this competition to give ribbons in an uncontested way so it was time to reevaluate the entry process. The purpose of the WFCC competition is just that, to compete against other carvings and to determine which is the best.
The chairman asked the committee to determine a way by which most, if not all, entries would have competition within each established division and/or category. The committee came up with a rule that will be recognized as the Three and Three Rule. This rule means that when possible there should be at least six entries (three entries that receive ribbons and at least three that remain) that fit the criteria and intent of that division or category in order to establish a competitive group. Example: if there are not enough entries (six) to fill one of the listed categories, two or more of the categories may be combined, establishing a combined or general category in that division. The judges will make the final decision in combining categories as they will have the option of allowing five or even four entries to compete for ribbons if they feel they have very strong entries in all categories.
The exceptions to the Three and Three Rule will be if a Level that has fewer than six entries, then those entries will compete against each other. An example is, If there were only five total entries in the Novice Level, the three Divisions of that Level would be combined and all entries in that Level would compete against each other. Also, this rule will not be in effect for the Youth Level. It was also decided to eliminate establishing classes in any of the levels unless entries numbers increase. (At the past two WFCC there was no need to establish classes even under less restrictive rules.)
It was recommended that the rules and regulations be condensed into a format that would be easy to read and understand. All the rules and regulations are basically the same as before, but in a more concise and orderly way.
Note: A WFCC competition committee has been established to rule on anything not addressed in these rules and regulations. This committee will consist of Larry Blomquist, Ken Edwards, and the two fish carving judges selected for each show.
The only exception to the Three and Three Rule will be if a level has fewer than six entries, then those entries will compete against each other. An example is, if there were only five total entries under Decorative Miniature Division, the Freshwater and Saltwater categories would be combined and compete against each other.
COMPETITION LEVELS
There are four levels of competition: Open, Intermediate, Novice, and Youth.
OPEN: This level represents professional carvers, including those carvers whose work demonstrates the highest level of artistry and tech- nique. Best in World Titles can only be earned in the Open Level.
INTERMEDIATE: This level includes carvers who have defined their sculpting and painting skills beyond the Novice Level. Carvers who have won a Best of Show or two Best of Division Awards at this level in the World Competition must move up to the Open Level.
NOVICE: This level is reserved for entry-level carvers. Carvers who have won a Best of Show or two Best of Division Awards at this level in the World Competition must move up to the Intermediate Level. Unique to this level is a new division known as Work Bench that may include mentor/teacher-instructed entries and entries made from purchased patterns available commercially.
YOUTH: The Youth Level is reserved for carvers who are age 17 or under on opening day of registration for the competition, however, these carvers may compete at higher levels if they desire.
Rules, Regulations and Guidelines
Determining Category and Division Winners
Categories as determined by the Three and Three Rule and the top three entries as determined by the judges will be awarded first-, second-, and third-place ribbons. Best of Division winners are picked from first-place category winners. Once a Best of Division is selected, the second-place entry in that category will move up to compete for Second in Division against other category winners. Third in Division will be selected using the same procedure. It is possible for first-, second-, and third-place division winners to come from within one category.
How The Best in World Winners are Determined in the Open Level:
World Titles will be awarded at the discretion of the judges. If no carving is worthy, a World Title will not be given.
DECORATIVE LIFESIZE DIVISION: Once a Best in World piece is se- lected, the second place carving in that category (if there is one), will move up to compete for second Best in World with the other Category First Place winners. Third in World will be selected using the same pro- cedure. It is possible for the first-, second-, and third-place Best in World to come from within one category.
BEST IN WORLD DECORATIVE MINIATURE: The winner will be se- lected from the Best of Category winners in that division.
THE BEST IN WORLD NATURAL FINISH: Will be selected from the Best of Category Winners in that division.
How Categories are Developed
As carvings are entered into the show, they are placed at the levels (Open, Intermediate, Novice, Youth) that are chosen by the competitors. When all entries have been received, they are then assessed and sep- arated into divisions and categories using the Three and Three Rule. For this to happen, there needs to be three carvings that fit a division with at least three carvings remaining. After divisions are established, they can be divided further into categories provided they meet the Three and Three Rule.
Judging Criteria
The following definitions of judging criteria have been adopted by the World Fish Carving Championships. Each criterion is given equal weight in the judging process. These criteria will be used for all levels of competition.
TECHNIQUE/CRAFTSMANSHIP: Refers to technical skills involved in fish carving, such as sculpting, painting, finishing techniques, and their execution. It covers the fish or fishes, any habitat or accessories that may be involved, and the base itself if there is one. Craftsmanship should be consistent throughout the entire piece. Good craftsmanship is basic to fish carving. Without it, a piece will not be rewarded by the judges.
ACCURACY: Involves the correctness of a piece from a scientific per- spective. Is the fish the right size and proportion? Are the fins the right shape? Are colorations and patterns correct? Are the eyes properly placed? All of these are questions of accuracy. Anything accompanying the fish must be given the same scrutiny. Accuracy involves natural history of the whole piece, all of its components, and the appropriate- ness of these components together.
ESSENCE OF SPECIES: Involves taking accuracy a step further. It is the ability to capture an attitude in wood, for example: Each species of fish has its own attitude. Some are aggressive while some are passive. This is why certain fish cannot be put together in aquariums. Another example would be how easily a wrasse is identified from other fish only by its swimming style. The essence of the fish is there without a scale or a fin ray count, a check on measurements, or being able to see any markings or color. You may have flawlessly created your fish with fault- less accuracy, but unless you have captured the essence of your subject and given it the spark that brings it to life, your fish will not achieve its fullest potential.
ARTISTRY: Artistry of a piece involves its design and composition. This is where presentation, innovation, and creativity all come into play. There should be a beauty in the concept apart from the beauty of the fish itself. Line, form, content, color, mass, and movement should all be working together to create an integrated whole. Of all of the criteria in carving, artistry is the most elusive, the most difficult to explain, to teach, to analyze in the work of others, and to install in a carver’s own work. The difficulty, however, is an indication of the importance.
All criteria are important. They all overlap and build on each other. In order for a piece to reach its fullest potential, it must succeed in all four areas simultaneously. For the sake of clarity we have dealt with them individually, but in reality the distinctions are not so clearly cut. As a competitor moves through the different levels of competition and eventually to the Open Level, technique/craftsmanship and accuracy as criteria are taken almost for granted, as these are tools expected to have been mastered, allowing the artist to concentrate on essence of species and artistry of the piece. The better a piece is, the more difficult it is to distinguish one criteria from another. This is how it should be. Ultimately, a piece should be a perfect union of all components in which the four criteria become one. ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
OVERALL QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMPETITION ENTRY
General Rules and Information
1. Eligibility: Any carving entered at a previous World Show is ineligible for this and any future World Shows.
2. Levels: A carver can only enter one level of the carving competition. A carver cannot enter two levels, such as both the Open and Intermediate Levels with different carvings.
3. Multiple Entries: Multiple entries are allowed in the various divisions and categories of the level a carver is entering.
4. Level Advancement: At the World Fish Carving Championships a carver can elect at anytime to move up in classification. Once a carver has voluntarily advanced to the Intermediate or Open Levels of competition, that carver cannot re-enter in the Novice or Intermediate carver at future competitions.
5. Individual Work: Entries must be original in design and concept and must be the work of the individual whose name the carving is entered in at the WFCC competition. If, after judging it is determined that this policy has been violated, the award will be rescinded. (Note: This rule does not apply to the Workbench Division in the Novice Level.)
6. Nameplates: The name of artist should not be visible. The name will be taped over to prevent judges from seeing the name.
7. Glass Cases: Glass cases or domes must be removed for judging.
8. Subject: The wood sculpture must be of fish or fishes, though it may contain other animals or marine life as habitat.
SPECIFIC DIVISION RULES
Decorative Lifesize Division
Decorative Miniature Division
1. The entry will consist of one or more fish of any species. Entries are to be made of wood, including all fins. Fins cannot be carved, shaped, or made from Plexiglas, acrylic or epoxy. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purposes, however, those materials are to be hand formed with the exception of eyes. Eyes may be handmade of wood or commercially manufactured of glass or acrylic.
2. Entries are to be made of wood. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purposes, however, they are to be hand-formed—with the exception of eyes. Eyes may be hand-made of manufactured.
3. Entries for Miniature Division must be one-half size or less and must not exceed 8 inches in every dimension (for the fish only). Both criteria must be met.
4. Large fish may compete in Decorative Lifesize Division as a reduced version provided the carved fish or fishes are at least 18 inches in length. There is no maximum size. For example a 12-foot, 600-pound marlin or a 6-foot, 80-pound chinook salmon would be carved so that the minimum size is at least 18 inches and reflects the mature anatomy of the lifesize fish.
5. Wall Mount Carvings: Any artist with an entry not suitable for tabletop display is required to notify Breakthrough Magazine (promoter of the WFCC) at least two weeks before the show for logistics and set-up reasons.
6. If a supporting pedestal under the base is needed, it must be provided by the artist and it will not be considered as part of the sculpture.
Natural Finish Wood Sculpture Division
Interpretive Fish Carvings Category
An interpretive carving should emphasize form, content, and movement rather than a realistic duplication of the fish. It should be presented in a style that provokes thought and wonder.
1. Entry is to be entirely of wood with the exception of the base. The base may be of other material and will be considered as part of the sculpture. No artificial eyes can be used in this division. If a natural finish carving has glass eyes it can be entered in the Freestyle Division.
3. Stains and other finishes may be used as long as they do not completely cover or block the grain of the wood.
Realistic Natural Finish Category
A carving should emphasis form, content, and movement, yet be more like a realistic duplication of the fish than in the interpretive category. It need not include scale renderings or fin rays and may be painted opaquely over parts of the fish. It should be presented in a style that provokes thought and wonder.
1. Entry is to be entirely of wood with the exception of the base. The base may be of other material and will be considered as part of the sculpture. No artificial eyes can be used in this division. If a natural finish carving has glass eyes it can be entered in the Freestyle Division.
2. If a supporting pedestal under the base is needed, it must be provided by the artist and it will not be considered as part of the sculpture.
Freestyle Division
It is our hope that this Free Style Division will release the creative efforts of fish carvers that may have felt restricted by other rules.
- Entries are to be made at least partially of wood but may be supple- mented by non-wood materials. Any materials are permitted and should be specified in the entry registration. All parts of the sculpture must be hand-formed and original. Castings and molds of existing fish or habitat items are not permitted.
- Opaquely painted fish without scales or fin rays, commonly known as “smoothies,” and any other fish carvings which cannot meet other division requirements, may compete in this division.
- If a base is used, it may be made of any material and construction, however, it will be included for judging.
- Any artist with an entry not suitable for table-top display is required to notify Breakthrough Magazine two weeks ahead of the show for logistics and set-up reasons.
Smoothie Category
1. This category is for lifesize fish or entries that fit the reduced scale criteria, which contain no carved or burned scale or fin ray details.
2. Details of the head may be highly detailed if desired.
3. Painting of the highest quality is encouraged.
Transitional Sculpture Category
This category is for fish that are either free-form, three-dimensional art (from caricature, to chip carving, to northwest Indian, etc.), or functional art (fish head paper weights, lamps, bookends, etc.).
Workbench Division
(This division is for the Novice Level only)
1. This division is for fish that are either rendered from commercial patterns, part of a class project, or the carver has received help from a mentor.
2. Entries are to be made at least partially of wood but may be supplemented by non-wood materials. Any materials are permitted and should be specified in the entry registration. All parts of the sculpture must be hand-formed and original. Castings and molds of existing fish or habitat items, such as insects or seashells, are not permitted.
3. Entries in this division may include entries which cannot meet other division requirements.
Youth Carving Level
This competition is to encourage youth to become engaged in the art form of fish carving, and to provide a venue to present their carvings to the public and give them competition experience. Entries may be done under the supervision of an adult, but the youth must do the carving and painting.
Categories will be established if there are enough entries to do so. In addition, if there are three or more entries from competitors over 15 years old, and three or more carvings from competitors that are 14 years old and younger the youth division will be split into two age categories. YDC1 Age 15-17 and YDC2 ages 14 and under.
• Prior entries into World Show Youth Competition are not permitted.
• Entries must be made of wood. Glass or plastic eyes are permitted as are other materials for habitat and structural purposes. Hand- formed habitats are encouraged but not required for youth entries.
Available Levels, Divisions and Categories
As long as they meet the new Three and Three Rule
Open Level (World Title Level)
OPEN LEVEL
(World Title Level) This level represents professional carvers, including those carvers whose work demonstrates the highest level of artistry and technique. Best in World Titles can only be earned in the Open Level.
DECORATIVE LIFESIZE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
Cold Water Fish
Warm Water Fish
Saltwater Fish
DECORATIVE MINIATURE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
Freshwater Fish
Saltwater Fish
NATURAL FINISH WOOD SCULPTURE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
Interpretive Fish Carvings
Realistic, Natural Finish
FREESTYLE DIVISION (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR BEST IN WORLD)
CATEGORIES
No Categories (All entries will compete against each other.)
Intermediate Level
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Intermediate: This level includes carvers who have defined their sculpting and painting skills beyond the Novice Level. Carvers who have won a Best of Show or two Best of Division Awards at this level in the World Competition must move up to the Open Level.
DECORATIVE LIFESIZE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
Cold Water Fish
Warm Water Fish
Saltwater Fish
DECORATIVE MINIATURE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
Freshwater Fish
Saltwater Fish
NATURAL FINISH WOOD SCULPTURE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
Interpretive Fish Carvings
Realistic, Natural Finish
FREESTYLE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
No Categories (All entries will compete against each other.)
Novice Level
NOVICE LEVEL
Novice: This level is reserved for entry-level carvers. Carvers who have won a Best of Show or two Best of Division Awards at this level in the World Competition must move up to the Intermediate Level. Unique to this level is a new division known as Work Bench that may include mentor/teacher-instructed entries and entries made from purchased patterns available commercially.
DECORATIVE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
Freshwater Fish
Decorative Miniatures
NATURAL FINISH WOOD SCULPTURE DIVISION
CATEGORIES
No Categories (All entries will compete against each other.)
WORK BENCH DIVISION
CATEGORIES
No Categories (All entries will compete against each other.)
Youth Level
YOUTH LEVEL
Youth: The Youth Level is reserved for carvers who are age 17 or under on opening day of registration for the competition, however, these carvers may compete at higher levels if they desire.
YOUTH LEVEL (AGES 17 OR UNDER)
Separate Youth Level divisions will be established if there are enough entries to fill one or more of the categories with 3 or more entries, otherwise there will only be one division. YDC1 Age 15-17 and/or YDC2 ages 14 and under.
YDC 1 DIVISION (15 to 17)
CATEGORIES
All Decorative Fish and Silhouette (smoothies)
NO CATEGORIES All entries will compete against each other.
YDC 2 DIVISION (14 and under)
CATEGORIES
All Decorative Fish and Silhouette (smoothies)
NO CATEGORIES All entries will compete against each other.