Someone asked recently about what is expected for receiving a award of high merit in the arts (e.g. OVO). I didn’t weigh in at the time as it was in an inter-kingdom context and answers were therefore widely varying, but I do have some thoughts based on my own personal experience.
For the most part, there are three kingdom level arts awards in Meridies. When evaluating whether to recommend someone for them, I consider both the personal prowess of the individual and their engagement and impact on the kingdom as a whole.
First, the Meridian Cross. This is given for promise in the arts and sciences. It is purely concerned with personal prowess and recognizes potential for further growth. This award will likely be given as a result of recommendations from people in your local area. Imagine that it is a spark that can be seen in the darkness.
Next is the Velvet Owl. The potential recognized by the Meridian Cross has been realized, and the candidate has continued to improve their research and execution. They are consistent and diligent. This is the point where a candidate should be influencing others: they should be teaching both in their local area and elsewhere in the kingdom. They may be helping organize guilds or holding the A&S office in their local group. They should be making connections within the A&S community throughout the kingdom. The OVO is a polling order, and they can only vote on people that they have the opportunity to know. Imagine that they are a lamp that is not only visible, but illuminates the area around them.
Finally there is the Laurel. Prowess and teaching are expected at this point. The candidate should be known as an expert in their field both by other experts and those who seek to learn. They should exhibit good judgment in their evaluation of candidates for the OVO and have a broad network of connections throughout the kingdom and possibly beyond. They should have a grasp of the workings of the Kingdom at large, for the arts do not happen in a vacuum. They should be aware of the effects they have on others and strive to raise up those around them. Imagine now that they are a torch that not only sheds light, but lights candles around them.
If it sounds like the OVO and Laurel require a lot of effort, that’s because they do. They require more than simply making art, because the Kingdom needs more than just artists. It needs teachers. It needs leaders. It needs people who use their art to enrich others and make a Society out of a group of individuals. Not everyone will want to do this much work, especially when much of that work actually takes time away from making one’s own art. Work requires sacrifice, and that sacrifice is, in part, what these awards recognize. Personally, I take as much joy in teaching and in making connections between artisans as I do in actually making art. Not everyone does, and that does not make them bad people. I enjoy fighting, but I will never put in the time and make the sacrifices required to become a Knight. This stings a little, but I know that it is because of my own choices and I accept it.
Obviously, these are my own opinions, and I realize that not every individual follows the same path or shares the same views. I hope, however, that this may provide some useful perspective.