Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Emma and other Teddy Talkers.

Regarding character bears. It can be said that all bears have “character† just as all houses have a “character† but some have more character than others. You ask an Estate Agent!

A character bear is one that may be a well known character from a play or TV series. However I am sure we all know “characters† locally. They may dress differently or act differently and therefore, become recognised for their particular style. In the next National Teddy Bear Artists Awards there is a class for a character based on “The Wind in the Willows†. The population of The Wind in the Willows was all animals but nevertheless “characters† – so they do not have to be human. The word anthropomorphic comes to mind in this example.

The Class in the next National Awards I think is innovative and inspiring. Will the teddy bear artists use their flair to create a bear in the “character† of Mr Toad or Badger? I can’t wait to see what this Class produces. Some have said that the term is vague but I think it is more a case of giving Artists free rein to exercise their creative skills.

The National Teddy Bear Artists Awards have definitely raised the standard in our competitions. They have left the old “ Bear 10 inches high dressed† class behind and are showing much more imagination and hopefully that will inspire Artists. The Competition at National level is very high and will get even higher. Many people are cutting, sewing and generally making bears to perfection. This will result in everyone in a tie for First Prize if the competitions are reduced to a sewing skills basis. The operative word is “Artist† and that is what will finally decide winners. Artists become famous by creating “characters†. You may go to see “The Mona Lisa† or “The Laughing Cavalier† but probably not “Mrs Jones Next Door†. (My apologies Mrs Jones).