Fish Carving Rules

 Fish Carving Rules

 Decorative Life-Size Division

Entries will be judged on technique/craftsmanship, artistry, interpretation of the essence of the species, artistry, overall presentation, and originality. A 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.
1. The entry is based on the whole fish and will consist of one or more complete fish of any species – with emphasis on creating an innovative and artistic composition.
2. Entries are to be made of wood. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purposes, however, they must be hand-formed (with the exception of eyes). Pre-painted eyes of glass, plastic or other materials may be purchased or formed and are eligible in this division at all levels.
3. Other materials such as Bondo, epoxies, veil material, and other adhesives products may be used in the insertion of fins, constructing eyes, scale texturing, and the construction of the habitat.
4. No casting or molded products of any type may be used.
5. Large fish may compete in Decorative Life-Size Division as a reduced version, provided the carved fish 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 salmon would be carved so that the minimum size is 18 inches and reflects the mature anatomy of the life-size fish.

Decorative Miniature Division

Entries will be judged on technique/craftsmanship, artistry, interpretation of the essence of the species, artistry, overall presentation, and originality. A 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.
1. The entry will consist of one or more fish of any species with an emphasis on creating an innovative and artistic composition.
2. Entries are to be made of wood. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purposes, however, they must be hand-formed (with the exception of eyes). Pre-painted eyes of glass, plastic or other materials may be purchased and are eligible in this division at all levels.
3. Other materials such as Bondo, epoxies, veil material, and other adhesives products may be used in the insertion of fins and the construction of habitat.
4. No casting or molded products of any type may be used.
5. Entries for Miniature Division must be one-half size or less and must be 8 inches or less in every dimension for the fish. Both criteria must be met.

Wall Mount Division

Entries will be judged on technique/craftsmanship, artistry, interpretation of the essence of the species, artistry, overall presentation, and originality. A 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.
1. For the category of Wall Mount, any artist with an entry not suitable for tabletop display is required to provide the appropriate attachments that will safely aid in the hanging of the sculpture. If in doubt contact the hosting show for requirements.
2. Entries are to be made of wood. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purposes, however, they must be hand-formed (with the exception of eyes). Pre-painted eyes of glass, plastic or other materials may be purchased and are eligible in this division at all levels.
3. Other materials such as Bondo, epoxies, veil material, and other adhesives products may be used in the insertion of fins and the construction of habitat.
4. No casting or molded products of any type may be used