General
-- These guidelines apply to all media --
1. INTENT
Object must reflect levels of technique, thought and consideration of intended use which can be readily recognized as examples of the professional and artistic execution of their medium.
2. DESIGN
A successful object must be the result of careful designing, with obvious thoughtfulness used in determining the proportions, structural integrity, materials, and colours used. Careful designing must clearly reflect the intended use of the piece. Thoughtful designing should exhibit:
Appropriate proportions within the forms
Appropriate choice of materials for intended use
Suitable choice of process for fabricating the piece showing a high level of skill
Unique visual appearance reflecting the individual maker
3. PRODUCTION QUALITY AND TECHNIQUE
Whether produced in quantity or as an individual piece, the object must reflect excellent skill and production quality, being visibly well conceived and expertly executed. Both production and “one-of-a-kind” work should show a unique/personal identity of design. Functional work must function well. Fabrication should exhibit high levels of skill in technique. Objects must be produced by the applying artist.
4. SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
The design of an object must be original, or an adaptation of a traditional design which demonstrates the unique skills of the maker and reflects an individual identity of design. The object must be designed and fabricated by the applying maker. Since, in a reproduction, there is no design input, the onus of judgment is upon technical skill alone. Copying currently produced work is not acceptable. Whether an original design, or an adaptation of a traditional design, the work should clearly reflect the individual maker. A traditional adaptation should clearly reflect a personal interpretation and style.
5. MATERIAL USED
The object must be constructed of materials which are of high quality and are appropriate to the structural integrity, utility, and visual appearance of the object. Materials should be appropriate to the intent of the pieces, both in purpose and visual appearance. Work must demonstrate a level of technical competence and understanding of the materials used.
6. FABRICATED CONTENT
Commercially fabricated elements in objects, including packaging, must be subordinate to the overall design of the object. Commercially fabricated elements (jewellery finding, handles, packaging, appendages, etc.) must be of fine quality, and if appropriate, fulfill the requirements of other media. In applicable cases must meet CSA approved materials and guidelines.
7. SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS
New forms and innovations will be considered by the Standards Committee. Unfinished items or kits for consumer assembly are not considered acceptable.
8. LABELLING
All articles should be labeled with the maker’s name, contact information and the pertinent instructions concerning care and maintenance, as well as any consumer information required by law. An appropriate business card or tag should be included with each piece, including any special instructions concerning care or use of the piece. If this information is prohibitive to display with each item, this information should be available with the Artist’s Information package and be available for inclusion at time of sale.