Why is the Theme Important?

The new list for 2023 Juried Show themes is now available on the Event page for IADR members only to vote on.  Why is choosing a good theme so important?  
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A theme should inspire and allow you to create, to express it in a way that others are taken on your journey.  That is one reason why there isn't a lot of actual genre expressed this year.  But take for example "Sitting under the Apple tree"... that can be expressed as a little boy fishing under the apple tree, a little girl reading her favorite book there, a faery teaching a flower how to grow or a tree nymph talking to her sister.  There is no wrong or right expression of what those words mean other than what they inspire in you to create. 

Did you know that a third of the voting for a Jury Show is... Did the artist capture the meaning of the theme?  This is where you envision the judges to see what you see by explaining to them your vision.  AND... did you know that another third of the judging is... How well did the artist render their interpretation of the theme... overall appearance?  

That is 2/3 of the voting on just the theme.  The other 1/3 goes toward the level of skill the artist displayed in their creation.  Therefore, being clear in your interpretation will be important since it isn't being narrowed down to a type as well as following it through with the visual of your creation showcasing the theme.

So, when voting for a theme, don't look for a specific type like fairies or mermaids or zombies... but look to the theme that challenges you and inspires you.  If, like me, doing character type faeries are what you enjoy, then pick a theme and create the character that tells that theme/story.  Don't create a character and shove it into a theme, hoping it fits.  A theme should bring art to life.  The themes listed in the polling for 2023 with the most votes will be the selected ones for our Juried Shows.  Click here to go to the Polls.