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Those of you that went to the show this year may have noticed that only three entries were submitted. Because of this Cygnus is thinking of doing away with the contest.
For us to lose this contest would be another setback for Solid Surface. We need as much publicity and new ideas we can get.
Why do you think Fabricators aren’t entering entries?
Is it the expense to send the items?
Not sure what to enter?
You don’t need to enter some weird and out of this world idea.
In fact I think the best things to enter are something that the design world would see and want to use.
For example.
Sinks, A cool BS treatment, nice inlay, etc.
Also it doesn’t matter if you win it’s a great way to show the SS world your talents perhaps a sheet goods manufacture would see your work and call you for a special project they have.
I know some say they don∓rsquo;t have the time to make something. Consider it a marketing opportunity.
What do you think? I need your feedback so I can approach Cygnus with some good news.
Jon:
The show should be judged by a jury, like a professional art show. Who are the judges? What are thier qualifications?
I think if the manufacturer’s were to award commissions for the best use of their products we would see a renewed interest.
I’ve got a great idea, it would be spectacular and a huge public relations coup for a manufacturer, but I need a sponsor.
Joe
Jon,
Why do you think the design contest is important?
I think that the design contest doesn’t show what we do. We make countertops and it is impossible to transport a kitchen counter to the show.
Fabricators aren’t artist. They are fabricators and craftsmen making beautiful countertops. Artist have ideas and make beautiful “art” with whatever material they can find.
I think that is why the design contest doesn’t do well.
Joe,
I am listening, I spoke with Jon at the show about my ideas and even mentioned sponsorship. I agree with Jon we cannot let this contest die.
Give me a call when you have time. I will be travelling tomorrow and Monday but will be available on my mobile. 778-878-4901
Regards Ray
Andy:
I agree that the “design contest doesn’t show what we do”. I shows what we can do.
How are we going to get to the next level if we don’t spend some time and effort doing some things that may be impractical or pointless in the short term, but have the benefit of stretching our capabilities?
I disagree that fabricators aren’t artists. We need to cultivate our artistic talents and the design contest is the perfect vehicle.
Plus, one of the first things Oxly did after taking the helm of ISSFA was to abandon the contest. He even bragged about it. If it dies he will be vindicated and I can’t abide that.
Joe
Last year we entered some pieces in the contest. They have to be crated and shipped, which is a little expensive. Then after the show you have to stick around and crate it and ship it back. IF you recall we had two tables. One was apoker table and one was a formica artifacts table. Both are resting in ISSFA’s office, so say Bill and Oxley. We gave them to them so we didn’t have to ship them back to Omaha. I think it is a cool idea, but it costs a fortune. One more thing, our shipment got lost on the floor of the Expo, so we didn’t find it or get it together in time.
Mory
Andy . Joe answered most of your question.Can you image if the first time a company did cove they gave up? We need to do as the Country band Sugar land says “Raise the Bar High”. SS is not just a counter surface and SS shops don’t have to be just Countertop shops. SS is a remarkable material .The more we show the design world what it can do the faster the word is going to get out. Remember SS is still the youngest surface material out there.
Mory your right its a costly event with regards shipping. We view it as marketing to help with the sting.
Ray thanks for your wiliness to help . I didn’t want to say anything I wasn’t sure if you wanted to post your thoughts. But once again Integra shows why there a class company. Any other companies want to help defray some of the shipping cost? After all where all in this together. If there aren’t any tops to make there isn’t any reason to buy tools , software, sandpaper etc..
Joe I think you would make an excellent Judge of the contest.
If anybody wants to know more how the contest works, how to ship an item or help with an idea let me know.
One last thing how about you tell the shop guys to come up with an idea. There out there on the floor I,am sure they have thought of some cools things to do.
Hello Everyone. Good news the contest lives. They are going to make some changes not sure what they are. Come on people lets start thinking now. Its only 10 months away! Lets enter things that are of real value to our industry.. A cool CT A neat bowl. Lets start brainstorming.Maybe you have an idea but not the tools to do it. Why not partner with a shop ?Have you European boys. Give us your best shot.Jon , I was given a poster by A HI-Macs rep last year of a Stratocaster elec. guitar made of SS , man did that get my wheels turning. I’ve benn told there is a girl in the pic also. Since then I have used solid surface on my own guitars and mandos for pick guards ,nuts and bridges. I hope to build an entire gitterbox with Avonite some time, must make time though. The stuff is definetly versatile. I have made countless window sills and acessories in bathrooms with it
David G.
Wow, I too have that poster, if you look real hard, you can almost make out a female….. I merely saw the beauty of the poster, never the female in the background……
On a similar note, I had a customer give me a cartoon. It was a statue, and the “artist” was carving a countertop from it.. it was entitled “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder”. I took it as a compliment, as he meant it.
Hey Dave. Now we’re talking! Your correct there’s so much we can do with this stuff. AVONITE has some pretty cool colors cant wait to see your Guitar you make. Post some pictures why not make time before next years show?
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