Hi there Redrummd, Michael Hoover,
Have not seen your name in the lineup for the symposium. Did Brian forget to put you on the list, like he did with a few others?
As of right now, there is quite a lineup, but the cream is still waiting on the sidelines. I got it on good authority that there could be a few surprise entries, from people who are on top of their game in the jade-sector as well as carving overall (any material).
At the moment, most designs are hush hush, so there is very little information as to whats coming, but the few designs that I have seen indicated thus far, will be "VERY" different from the regular traditional fare that one sees every day.
Just met up with one carver/sponsor and participant of the Symposium from Canada, here in Hong Kong yesterday, who is much closer to the industry and way more skilled than me, for a few hours, and must say, that the whole thing might turn out way more interesting overall than expected.
So for those of you on the sidelines here, get going and give it a try, while winning this event will be a very hard thing to achieve, the chance of being presented and shown alongside the "Masters" does not happen every day. And if you are able to make it to Vancouver for the actual Symposium (November 21-23) there will be a superb arrangement of new and old on show, plus renowned speakers from all over the world.
Just confirmed a few days ago:
Tom Duquette a master artist from BC, will be doing a carving demonstration at the November Exhibition. He says he is too old now to carve jade, but that he has made a full set of jade wood carving tools. At Robson Square we will see him in action, creating a "surprise" cedar sculpture using only his handcrafted jade tools : )
Tom is a legend, and we are in for a treat!
I so envy those of you who will be able to make it there. saved12