I have to thank C. Gray and Evelyn Taylor for supplying me with a catalog. I received it yesterday, and went through it this morning.
The layout and print quality is superb! Phil, you found a great layout artist and publishing company to do this.
The cover is a black matte backdrop with a glossy color single image of Gray's multiblade. Suitable for framing.
A brief synopsis of the rules and procedures opens the book with a facing tribute to the 'Buster Award': A peoples choice award voted on by the attendees for the maker with the best body of work. (Refresh my memory: Who won 2009?)
Then a simple two-page facing-page spread for each of the 25 artists/makers. In this spread is a hand drawn likeness of the maker (nicely flattering), and a short description of the knives the maker will be displaying along with their prices. One large photograph of one of these exhibition knives.
Current makers and their induction year preface the content, and past makers close the catalog.
It's a testament to the calibre of the Show and of Phil's work. I know he is proud.
I am going to risk and go out on a limb now....
I have to say, and I am particularly keen on this, that there was about 4-6 knife images which were NOT taken by a professional knife photographer and they did no favors to Phil and his good work. If you are elected to be a part of this show, I can't believe one would submit a lesser quality image to be alongside other obviously well-displayed pieces.
There are two(?) images which were rotated upside down from the original shot and the perspective shows this. This is a really basic error and should never have passed. Others are too dark, Some have spotty lighting, and a one is simply blurry.
Sorry, in the interest of maintaining the highest of standards for Phil, I hope others will see this distinction and do the right thing for upcoming years.
Hat's off to those who had Eric E. shoot their knives previously. They all look amazing.
Hopefully, few other viewers noticed none of what I see in my critique..... :yawn:
All-in-all the book is a solid keepsake, and is a benchmark for this type of show and for the present state of Art Knives.
Thank you Gray (and Steve) and a big hurrah to Phil Lobred. :thumbup:
Coop