Now do not get me wrong, I do appreciate the fact that everyone has determination, dedication and is passionate enough to start building whatever it may be. I also understand that everyone has different aptitudes, aspirations and limitations. At the same time, I also believe the common modeler enters the hobby by being motivated by whatever it is that has inspired him or her.
Let us use the alphabet as a scale…. Although I understand if some may get confused by it…
My main point of focus about partaking in this hobby is and has always been the fact than if someone is inspired by this
A)
Image cedit: the Us Naval Academy Museum
Or this
B)
Image credit: shipbuilder (SOS community)
and I sincerely believe many of us do strive if not perfection, at least come as close to it: Given ones determination, dedication, passion, aptitude (skills), aspiration and limitations.
All the while we may end up with this (extreme)
Y)
or this
Z)
and everything in between: C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X.
Much of the difference resides in the attributes listed above: but skill and craftsmanship are a big part of it.
As someone pointed it out, the secret lies in the name of the hobby we chose: model ship building or scale model ship building, for us or most it is to be as close (figuratively) to what I suspect, is the representation of what has inspired us in the first place: whether it was the real ship or a model of it, we strive for the look and feeling of reality.
Now we may All agree or on the premise of increasing the interest in the hobby, getting more members in for whatever reason we may have. The fact remains that we are typically inspired by A or B, and although we strive for those, most are happy to end-up within the middle of the alphabet; ranging from J to O on the scale. There is nothing wrong with that and if that goal is not attained no one belittles the other for not achieving it.
I doubt any of us are inspired by Y or Z, but should it be the case, one will certainly not end-up producing an A or B.
Personally, I do not wish to convince anyone that “perfectionism” (and I use the term very lightly) is the only way. But striving for it, or something closer to it, at all levels is part of our self-development, even if we never achieve it. And at the same time I do understand that everyone have their own goals, athough I am also under the assumption / understanding that most widh for better than they actually do.
Being creative or imaginative to build the model is required but, as far as the final look of the object produced, a replica, these two concepts do not or should not apply.
Again, do I expect everyone to attain that level? … Absolutely not ...
Motivating though practice, showing good craftsmanship is only as limiting as someone makes it to be. We all have limits.
Do I expect every model to be perfect? Absolutely not….
On the other end, I do wish that people who show their work in order for others to learn from it, be conscious of their limitations in education value, while I sincerely believe one can learn from mistakes, his her own mistakes, as it is the nature of the hobby. But, most post progress are intended for self-satisfaction, gratification. It is great, to see what people do, but it is surely not intended as a tool used to inspire, motivate and educate others. There is of course the idea that motivation and education occurs from the bottom up, and it may well be for some. But typically, whatever the discipline is, motivation, inspiration and education occur from the top down.
Getting more people in the hobby is a good thing, but I do not agree on saying “it will help me be better at what I do” because the masses are not producing anything close to upper level results: the inspiring model. What really inspires, motivates a modeler is not necessarily greatness, but something closer to it than what the average modeler achieves. Labeling people who may have "better" skills, people who strive for it, or point out the needs the masses to pay attention, as elitists is ill-placed.
I do get that more and more people get their motivation from average people because we certainly have more access to them, but it does not mean that the ones striving for the top tier belittle everyone within the “lower level" of achievement.
Our society has made it more than acceptable to model ourselves from the masses while these masses are putting “influencers” on pedestals. We often live our life idolizing people, we put them on pedestals: people who do not necessarily deserve to be there, except for their marketing skills. Many dress like then, eat like them, act like them, think, like them, partake in activities they partake in, etc…. It seems like we look up to these people for any and all reasons, so why not get inspired by the best in our craft.
I guess, the masses have caught on to the marketing trend so that each individual, community as a whole, may be recognized and marketed as “experts” which not everyone is.
As someone said earlier, inspiration, motivation to join a group in any activity, is by presenting / offering greatness or at least some level of it; again, knowing that not everyone will achieve it…
As far as model ship is concerned, the art is in making the ship, not the resulting beautiful ship itself.
ART:
Quote
"From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the general concept of the arts.
Art is a diverse range of cultural activity centered around works utilizing creative or imaginative talents, which are expected to evoke a worthwhile experience, generally through an expression of emotional power, conceptual ideas, technical proficiency, and/or beauty.
There is no generally agreed definition of what constitutes art, and its interpretation has varied greatly throughout history and across cultures. In the Western tradition, the three classical branches of visual art are painting, sculpture, and architecture. Theatre, dance, and other performing arts, as well as literature, music, film and other media such as interactive media, are included in a broader definition of "the arts".
Until the 17th century, art referred to any skill or mastery and was not differentiated from crafts or sciences. In modern usage after the 17th century, where aesthetic considerations are paramount, the fine arts are separated and distinguished from acquired skills in general, such as the decorative or applied arts."
The nature of art and related concepts, such as creativity and interpretation, are explored in a branch of philosophy known as aesthetics. The resulting artworks are studied in the professional fields of art criticism and the history of art."
End quote
In the end, the fundamental reason for actively recruiting more modelers is good in intention.
Everyone has a role in it. This said, it is best left for organizations, businesses to do it for their own reasons as they have the opportunity to reach more people.
A individual modeler wanting to raise awareness in the hobby, should be doing so by presenting the values as to what model ship is and represent for him / her. Not do so because they believe their work is worthy enough to motivate others.
The final product is only an illustration of what can be achieved following one’s own dedication, passion, skill, etc.
I also understant that a wide ranging venue such as this forum, is suppose to appeal to ALL. The goal is always to increase the membership at large so that more people join in here.
And my friends, this is what I believe.
Happy modeling.
G
