Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hmmm that's the stuff we use as well, we always pick it up at the Wal Marts in the US when we are there, the Canadian Wal Marts don't carry it .

Shane

Yeah I want to know why as well? Do tell Jane you have us all wondering now    .

hugs

Shane

I just love your open mouth bears Roxanne, they all have such great expressions. Chun is beautiful.

big hugs

Shane

Ok Maria that sounds good, will let you know when I make my donation.

big hugs

Shane

Great idea Maria, how long do we have to get in on the raffle?

Thanks

Shane

Beautiful work and soooooo adorable    . Keep up the great work love this little guy.

big hugs

Shane

Well they would have announced them in February but the deadline wasn't until the middle of Feb if I remember correctly. They had so many problems this yr, Brenda you are so right they have not been very good with keeping anyone up to date on what was going on. I only know they didn't even have the judges picked out as of March and this came from their office from someone who was talking with them. I guess they figure they have lots of time since they won't be giving the awards out until Oct.  But some people might actually consider going and doing EXPO if they were nominated, not good business practice on their part to make people wait so long after they forced people to rush to get their pieces in.

hugs

Shane

Hi Aleta, I haven't heard anything but I find it funny though that there was such a huge rush by the magazine to get the entries in within 10 days of them coming up with the closing date. My understanding is they didn't even have the judges picked for the competition when the deadline was announced. They were not sure when they would get around to doing the judging. Was a bit of a disappoint that they dragged their heels for so long to come up with a deadline then only gave 10 days notice and now three months later here we all sit still waiting to hear about the nominee's.

hugs

Shane

Have a great time and give Maria a big hug for  me when you see you. I am hoping one day to get to meet her in person as well. She is such a sweetheart. Have a great trip and be safe.

big hugs

Shane

AWWWWWWW Chico is perfect for him and he is soooooo adorable. I think if I ever get another dog it would be one just like Chico heehee. 

Big hugs and enjoy , Hmmmm Chico isn't Spanish for spot is it  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:  :crackup:

Shane

Is it possible to get a picture of it? What colour is the fur. Is the fur in good shape, you want to make sure that the coat is soft enough to actually work with.  So make sure the backing is not to stiff.

hugs

Shane

Ok here's another name I'm gonna throw out there. How about Tonka (like in the Tonka Toys, big ole Tonka Trucks) big name for a little dog  .

hugs

Shane

How much of it do you need Gail and what length?

hugs

Shane

Hey Louise, I just happened to run across this today and thought of you, I was looking for something else and stumbled onto this .

Ciro: This short masculine Mexican Chihuahua name means “the sun† or “sol†. Your boy companion canine will certain become the sunshine of your life as together you play, romp, walk, and cuddle daily.

I thought it would be perfect as you know he is going to be the sunshine of your life and will hopefully be the sunshine in Lilies life too.

hugs

Shane

Hmmmm what about "Tornado" he's going to be a whirl wind of activity when you get him. Just going and going, he'll be a little storm for sure. He's adorable , I am so happy that you are getting a little brother for Lily. Can't wait to see what the other names are.

big hugs

Shane

Love the Kittie, so adorable as are all your creations. Can't wait to see more of them.

big hugs

Shane

Very sweet, love the open mouth, great job

hugs

Shane

Adorable     I love the eyes too but the little tail is really sweet

Great Job

Hugs

Shane

OMG Dianne I was just thinking of her the other day and wondering how she was doing. She put up such a brave battle.  She was a member here on Teddy Talk as well, I am very saddened by her passing. We have a couple of her beautiful creations, she was an amazing artist and so sweet and kind she will be missed. I wish I could hug her kids as they must be devastated and they were just as sweet as she was.   

Thank you Dianne for letting us know.

Ohhhhhhh  so cute Alison,  you have done a wonderful job.

hugs

Shane

Nope I'm sticking to my guns on this one lol, I still think it's beaver    . 

We know our beavers here in Canada  :crackup:  :crackup:

hugs

Shane

I don't think he would ever rip apart one of your bears Heidi they are far to beautiful  . 

big hugs

Shane

US Bears just by responding to the post you have in some way validated this artist..  As said in previous post ART is suppose to start a dialogue and he certainly has. He has many many people who like and even love his artwork, people want one. As I said in my previous post, abused children carry physical and mental scares with them all their lives, these teddy bears show off their own scars when they are turned inside out and you get to see their soul that has been battered and beat around showing that it's not perfect on the inside even though it may look perfect and beautiful on the outside.  It's ok to be offended and shocked and upset, most artist want that that's what starts discussions.  I don't think it's alright to call someone names and verbally assault them just because you don't understand or like the art.

You might be right Melissa but as some have pointed out they are not shocked or upset by his art work. Again I think to each their own and there are a lot of bears that have fuzzy fur that I don't care for but that's just my opinion, other people may very well love them. It's very much like paintings, I can really love a canvas that has just paint splatters on it and others may look at it and say it garbage. I think it's great to have an opinion just like you said, but none of us have to agree      :hug:  :hug: .

big hugs

Shane

I did some research and watched many many interviews of this artist and read many interviews. I get it, I understand it I know where he's coming from. I can't say I agree with cutting up a teddy bear, his work is thought provoking and is meant to create discussions as any other art work should do. It looks as though he has done that even on this forum.

I like this quote directly from the Artist.

These bears, which have lived and loved and lost as much as their owners, have suffered and endured through it all. It is by virtue of revealing their inner core might we better understand our own.

I think the magazine did a wonderful job in having the guts (no pun intended) to do this interview and to publish it in their magazine. Good for them and I for one applaud them for doing this. We don't know to much about his background or his childhood. He does mention in one interview that he could not afford therapy so it does seem there may be something below the surface.

I agree with Alison and think this could be something to do with being abused, this is a topic very close to me as I have a very good friend who was sexually abused by her father for many many yrs and then physically abused by her mother. On numerous occasions we talked and discussed it and she said many times it was like being turned inside out.  A teddy bear is a childhood friend and protector, but by doing what he is doing it drives home this point, that these abused children are being turned inside out.  Each to their own opinion but I think we should all stop and think a bit about the art instead of just saying it's ugly and horrible. So is sexual abuse and physical abuse , those children wear those scars and bruises everyday, just like these inside out bears do now.

Sorry just a tough subject for me and I'm not trying to offend anyone, I just think a lot of people are missing the point of this book.

Big hugs

Shane