Paying My Dues

Some organizations allow you to join simply by paying your membership fee. For me to become an active member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists (ISSA) it wasn’t that simple. To achieve active member status, an artist is required to submit 5 images of their scratchboard artwork, prepared to the organization’s sizing and file naming specifications… along with a fee for the review. A juror analyzes the work, rates it and provides a critique as feedback for the submitting artist. Based on this analysis, the artist receives notice of being accepted or rejected within 30 days; if accepted, then the member fee can be paid!

I was delighted to hear in just 3 days after submitting my entries that I have been accepted as an active member of the ISSA. This organization was launched in 2011 and is dedicated to promoting Scratchboard as a fine art medium. I’m relatively new to black scratchboards, which are the primary focus of the ISSA, and I am so honored to be among amazingly talented artist members. Visit the galleries pages on their website for magnificent scratchboard art by ISSA members

Here are some of the juror’s comments from the feedback I received on my work (click on my collage of art to enlarge it):

“My favorite pieces are Heart to Heart and Purple Cow. The line work to render fur on both are well done with attention given to the direction of fur growth. The selective color for the eyes in Heart to Heart helps draw the viewer’s attention and adds to the narrative introduced by the title. Purple Cow is the most engaging for the use of creative color (black animals are so much more than just shades of grey) and for using a wide range of values, including lost edges. In Mouse Trap, the wood texture of the wall reads very well.  I do feel that this artist’s comfort zone is with animals, rather than portraits.  Olivia is the strongest of the two portraits; these pieces are on the smaller side which makes it that much more difficult to create a smooth skin texture. Overall, a solid collection of scratchboard work showing great potential.”

For those not familiar with this artform here is a simple definition: Scratchboard Art is a 2-dimensional, subtractive medium that involves the use of abrasive tools to directly remove a surface layer of one value (typically black) to expose a secondary layer of a contrasting value (typically white). The values within the artwork are achieved by varying the amount of surface layer that has been removed or left. Color can be added to enhance the artwork. Read more about Scratchboards here.

As an active ISSAmember, I get many benefits; I can now submit my scratchboard art to ISSA exhibitions (some are international), participate in workshops and other functions. I have already used my new access to videos on scratchboard techniques, presentation, pricing and other topics, presented by the highest level of ISSA members, the Masters (MSA or master scratchboard artists) – of which there are only 17 currently. I can apply to have a one-on-one Mentor to critique my scratchboard artwork, which I plan to do as soon as I get back to scratchboarding, to help advance my skills more quickly.

Active ISSA members also may apply for higher membership status at the annual jury process. The next level is Signature Member (SSA or signature scratchboard artist). This level is for “…members showing advanced scratchboard skills.” Review requires three jurors to examine seven submissions of the artist’s scratchboard art, rated them according to a stringent point system. The review covers:

1) Technical skills

• line quality
• clean edges
• smooth value transitions
• use of lost and found edges
• appearance of being well scratched
• color, if used, is handled with equal skill

2) Artistic skills

• use of a full range of values to define shape and form
• strong composition to engage the viewer
• originality – unique, creative and original ideas
• accuracy in design, form and shape
• full attention to all aspects of the scratchboard, including background elements and objects outside the main subject
• a recognizable style for the artist
• image quality of a professional artist – clear, focused, clean background

• do all the works exhibit outstanding quality worthy of Signature Scratchboard artist status?

This extensive review clearly explains why the Signature and Master ISSA artists’ work is so awesome and inspiring. I’ll be doing more scratchboards soon, with a new goal of eventually improving enough to try for Signature status. I’ll keep you posted!