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Pumpkin & Pickle Bears Dec 17, 2006

Which artist(s) would you just LOVE to own a bear from? Choose as many as you like but make number 1 your MOST favourite artist.

Here's mine...

1) CHRISTINE PIKE (I DREAM of owning a Christine Pike bear - my most favourite Bear Artist ever!)
2) SILVIA GILLES (Those faces are to die for!)
3) JANE PERALA (Just love 'em!)
4) JUDI PAUL (Absolutely love Judi's work - outstanding!)
5) CONNIE (yes, OUR Connie. I know she doesn't sell her bears yet but they have everything I look for in a bear - sooooo cute!).

I will no doubt be adding to the list......

Also, Aleta would have been on my list too but I'm already a VERY lucky girl and own one of her beautys (she's still one of my favourite Artists though!).

Jennskains Dec 17, 2006

There are way to many to list!  I need to start making bears again!  I've only done a few for swaps.

Aleta - The Silly Bear Dec 17, 2006

Gemma, 
Aren't you a sweetheart!!  Thank you for the mention.    

As the sayings go, "Art is subjective"  and "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."  There are so many artists work that I admire.  Each has their own style and not always one I would choose to buy.  That doesn't mean, however, that I don't like their work.  Everyone on the board who's been here awhile knows I like to buy the types of bears I create....traditional, dressed bears.  I have been know, on occassion, to throw caution to the wind and buy a more whimsical bear though.  Rare, but it happens.

I think the better question for me would be, "Which artist would you most likely like to have tea with?"  My answer?  Emphatically....everyone here on the board!!!  Everyone brings their own magic to the table and presents such fantastic confections. 

Tea party at my house!!!         :bday:

Warmest and biggest bear hugs,  :hug:
Aleta

sarahjane Dec 17, 2006

Michelle Lamb......Closely followed by a bear from everyone here on the board (and I am not a collector!!!  )

And Aleta I'd love to come to a tea party at your house!!!   

chrissibrinkley Dec 17, 2006

If money and space weren't an issue I'd just take one from everyone.  A bunny here, a puppy there, a rooster, a lion, maybe a cow (who makes cows???) hmmm...

:hug:
~Chrissi

thumperantiques Dec 17, 2006

I have to say that I would loooove to own one of Aleta's bears - that would definitely be my first choice - someday!  I guess next would be a Portobello bear. 

I also agree that  although I adore the old fashioned, antique style bears, lots of the whimsical, folk art pieces catch my eye.  I think Jennifer Murphy is a perfect example.  I love her work.

I could go on all night as I would love to have a bear made my each and every member of this wonderful board.  The talent never ceases to amaze me.

Aleta, I am definitely in for a tea party at your house!!

                                  hugs,

                                  Brenda

tuppies teddies Dec 17, 2006

I would love to have a bear from all here on TT, yes I guess that would make me happy.  If I had to choose one it would be Judi Paul---Luxembears.

I love her tigers and the last little lion.  The air-brushing she does is so spectacular....

Daphne Dec 17, 2006

I know it's a well intended question but I think it can lead to hurt feelings by some!

Let's face it, if "you" (a general term... could mean anyone here on TT) as an artist, saw 50 people respond to this post listing loads of different artists but not ONE mentioned your name as someone who's bear they'd like to own, how would you feel?

I'd rather go to Aleta's Tea Party! Meeting each and every one of you would create more special memories to me than ever owning one of your bears! But other than loving my Schulte, I'm not a 'material' girl.... I'm the sentimental, emotional type! Which brings me full circle back to bears!  :doh:

Bottom line.... I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so I'll keep my long list of "Dream Bears" under wraps!

Laurie Dec 17, 2006

I guess that if money were no object I would love to own one of the large portobello bears but as for choosing others to add to my list it is a good job that the money is not there as my list would be endless from all the tt bears and many others I have seen too.The more I think about it the more my list gets longer....and longer...
Laurie :hug:

Acipenser Dec 17, 2006

Gemma, I'm sure you didn't mean any harm when you started this, but I immediately felt uncomfortable and I second what Daphne said. I love many different artist's bears and others I'm not so fond of, which is just my personal taste and preference. I even may have different tastes in a few years. This thread however can easily turn into a popularity contest and I don't think that's in the spirit of TT.

Going to Aleta's tea party. Tea, bears and like-minded friends, life can't get any better. :hug:

lapousmor Dec 17, 2006

I cannot have a favourite artist.
There are so many I'd love to have a bear from, and here on TT I discover new ones almost everyday.
So I definitely am unable to make a list. And it's beter like that because I am sure I would forget many people on it.
There is so much talent on this board.

And I'd love to join Aleta and others for tea!

Beary hugs,
Sophie.

Pumpkin & Pickle Bears Dec 17, 2006

Ok, consider this topic over. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings and that was never my intention.

I'm afraid that I DO have to disagree though - ALL of us would have one or two artist's that we would just love to own a bear from - that's not to say there aren't others that we admire and would someday like to own. Most of the Artist's mentioned on my list are World famous, they deserved that right with their hard work. I wouldn't be offended if my name were not mentioned - I'm happy that I already have people who like my bears, but I am not going to be offended if someone has Christine Pike, Judi Paul, Portobello bears etc on their list and not me - we all have different tastes!

I'll say to my friends and family 'Ooh, I'd love to own a Christine Pike bear some day' - is there anything wrong with that?? I just thought you'd all like to share your most wanted bear amongst suposed 'friends' here on TT....obviously I was wrong.

Jodi Falk Dec 17, 2006

Oh MYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY  !!! Endless money !!!! Endless space !!!!  I just think that every ones work here that I have seen has been out standing, And I would be truly blessed to have any of them !! It is hard to choose. I just can't make a list , it is toooo mind boggling !! But I must admit that I would love to own one of Kim Bastas little boy bears  from Wild Time Originals, I just never get ahead enough to have the extra money to get one , may be some day she will have pity on me and trade with me 

But like I said at the start ,really EVERY one here Shines in my Book !!!! Your all the best, you all have good hearts, good designs and GREAT bears and Gollies !! I will take one of each please !!!!

Jodi Falk Dec 17, 2006

Gemma !!!!! Dear Heart !!!!! You meant nothing hurtful honey WE all know that please don't be hurt , and you are correct we all have different tastes and desires you were just thinking out loud !!! Sending Caring HUGS your way , please don't harbor a broken heart , I love you !!! So do we all !!!!

ConnieB Dec 17, 2006

Gemma,
One hundred thank-you's for the honorable mention!  I am very flattered!!!  You have made my day.  And I, for one, see nothing wrong with your post.  Everyone has their own personal tastes and is entitled to their own personal opinions.  While I was very honored that you picked me, I would still feel the same way if my name hadn't made the list.  Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!!!!

Daphne Dec 17, 2006

I just thought you'd all like to share your most wanted bear amongst suposed 'friends' here on TT....obviously I was wrong.

That is EXACTLY the reason we DON'T want to share, Gemma. We repsect our friends and fellow artists here on TT and certainly don't want to hurt their feelings. I've seen this exact question tear many who had been friends on another artist board apart (not bears).

You'll notice that over half of those who posted to this thread did not give a direct answer to your question. This isn't the first time this question has been posted on TT and most agreed it was best not to post our favorites.

It's not that we don't have them Gemma and in some ways it would indeed be fun to share. I was not trying to hurt your feelings but also trying to prevent other's feelings from being hurt. TT is BIG, many well known artists lurk here, and beginners do too. We have to think outside the box when posting here... outside what WE think and to what other's MIGHT think. No, we can't please everyone all the time, but we can try to be sensitive to the majority.

It truly was a great idea, Gemma. It's wonderful to have artists that you deeply admire and very natural too! You picked some great ones!

:hug:  :hug:  :hug:
Daphne

Jodi Falk Dec 17, 2006

To those of you who didn't feel comfortable with this post .... You are dear hearts also, you worried about hurt feelings , We know none of us would ever do that to a fellow artists so my prayer is that every one take a deep breath and feel the LOVE !!!

              Bear Hugs and Blessings from above this Christmas season !! I love ya all !!!

bearlyart Dec 17, 2006

I have also seen "list your favorite people" type of posts on other community forums (not bears), and I agree with Daphne that they have a tendency to hurt people's feelings in the end.  It does not matter that they are all universally started with the best of intentions.  But yes, after 50 people list their favorites, it is a given that some very worthy names will have been excluded by simple oversight.  Some people don't mind.  Some people do.  I have seen some very lovely, wonderful people leave online communities in tears for being excluded off of lists like that, and they do not return.

Gemma, you need to understand that noone is personally attacking you.  I have seen some truly heartbreaking results from such lists, and wouldn't want to see it here.  Obviously Daphne, and others, have as well.  It leaves a lasting impression.

Kelly

Dorothy Dec 17, 2006

Oh now come on ladies, not everything can always be white bread middle of the road, niceie nice. An opinion now and then is refreshing. Not the usual "oh how sweet, I just love it". Gemma, you have a great idea, we all could voice our real views and preferences and by the way, Art Rodgers is my favorite Artist, Jen Murphy too.
Now, I hope I did not offend the other 1,000 teddy bear makers and artists out there!
Dorothy Stuhr

bearlyart Dec 17, 2006

Well, that's the first time I've been accused of trying to force cutsie poo nicie nice on others.

Look, ladies.  It's great to have favorites.  We all draw inspiration from different places and people, and it goes without saying that everyone has different favorites.  It's great to point them out and give them credit for the inspiration they have provided.  Sure, I have my favorites, too. 

However.  There are those of us who have seen "list your favorite people" type of discussions end very badly.  The end results that I personally have seen have been extremely cruel to undeserving souls.  So if someone gives a warning to be careful with this type of discussion, we're flower-pickin' tree-huggin' rope-skippin' goody goodies who won't let people express their "real views"?  Give me a break.  If it's real views and opinions that you want, then here is mine.  My experiences have shown me that lists are for groceries, not people.

Kelly

Jodi Falk Dec 17, 2006

Merry Christmas Every One !!!!!  Please don't any one leave TT over this. Life is to short, I love you all .

Pumpkin & Pickle Bears Dec 17, 2006

So does that mean we are no longer allowed to say 'I'd love to own one of your bears' on the For Sale section incase it offends someone?? I thought we were much more grown up on here than that. There are hundereds of bears I'd love to own by different artists and I don't see why naming your most favourites should offend someone. I'm certainly not offended if I'm not someone's favourite Artist - I'm new at this - but the fact that my bears sell shows me that people DO like them. I am nowhere near producing the quality of bears as some of the big names out there, and I probably never will, but I'm happy with what I do and that's all that really matters.

DebbieD Dec 17, 2006

Well call me a tree hugger (fer sure!  ) Because if I were given unlimited resources, and more importantly, bear space, I'd be having one of each from each and every TTer  !!!

Daphne and Kelly, I can fully understand your' points of view.  For some it can be too, far too heartwrenching     Better not to have the 'setup' for a fall when in truth TT was set up to encourage and be the wind beneath our wings   :hug: Frankly, I think Gemma's idea was meant to soar, not to harm hearts...  :hug:

chrissibrinkley Dec 17, 2006

The funny thing about this whole discussion is we have a favorites listing here on TT.  Teddy and Friends is full of people posting replies about how they want that bear, love a bear artist,will someday own one,..etc, etc, etc. I guess I would ask out loud, 'cause I'm curious now that this topic is going on: does anyone know if anyone has left TT or been hurt because their bear listing saw/sees 2-3 replies while others see 10-20+? Could out there be more open for feelings getting hurt or people feeling left out or snubbed. Is that a silly comparison or about the same idea?  I've wondered about it.
I replied above early on. I didn't make a list because I was extremely tired and trying to make a  door wreath with hot glue...haven't used hot glue in ages and I now remember why (<dang>OUCH!).  It wasn't about being uncomfortable with the topic, not for me anyway. I posted Christmas pictures earlier with my artist bears, it's obvious who I've liked and wanted to own so far from that.  We all buy each others bears and say "look at what I got".  I hope we continue to do that...I like the pictures and happy stories!!

I guess if other boards have gone sour on a topic or if it doesn't work once you let it be and don't reopen.  I'm new to forums, so I learn something new about them the workings all the time.

:hug:
~Chrissi
PS: I LIKE WARM AND FUZZY and have been accused of being lots of things because of it

Cleathero Creations Dec 18, 2006

I agree with Chrissi we see it all the time in the forums where people say what they would like, in the showcase and thefor sale section it is very obvious who are favourites.

Me I would love to own a MAry Holstad and Lisa PAy..  SUre I would love to own others too but those are my main aims.

And hey if I'm not on anyone's list I'll live with that,  I am an adult after all.