Art is anything that exists only to be enjoyed--it has no actual function. For instance, keeping a broken hammer instead of throwing it away after you bought a new one, because it was the first hammer you ever bought.
Strongly disagree with you here. But as I wrote in my previous post... Let's not embark on that discussion. It always gets long and ugly
You're reasoning that there is mutual exclusivity at work between methods, but there is not.
That's not what I'm saying at all. My examples with the paintings were the absolute extremes. Most artists/creators/sculptors have both technical and creative talent. Sometimes one side is more dominant.
It is however possible to strictly exercise only one skill. A plumber isn't exercising any creativity, he is just fixing your toilet with his technical skills.
Even using the word "technical" is wrong here.
I don't think so. Can you sculpt, paint or build a house? That's technical talent. I can't see how you can argue against that. I can often appreciate the technical qualities in a work I don't necessarily like.
Miniature sculpting isn't any different from any other production.
Tom's emphasis is not on anything but sculpting to the best of his ability, because he only chooses to work on projects that interest him. Sculptors almost never design their work from scratch--the put other people's ideas into physical form. The only reason that Tom Meier's Thunderbolt Mountain line is so realistically accurate is because it could be.
But then his emphasis is exactly on being a technical great sculptor. It's like building a house.The creative force is the architect. But he doesn't actually build the house he designed. For that he need a technically skilled construction crew.
This goes back to want for simulation and want for abstraction. The abstract method of design, we'll call it baby-doll design, uses abstracted proportions that are enough to convey the idea of what its supposed to be to an applicable audience. Its to give you the idea of something real, while also reminding you that it is a fantasy.
What Tom Meier wants you to see with his TBM line, however, is a tiny army of people. It is not about lending the feeling of supposing that's what its meant to be, because it is an artistic simulation.
Not saying the one or other is better. Both are great, it's just different styles. What you prefer is just personal taste.
The contest at hand is "best miniature sculpt." Tom Meier's TBM stuff is literally just miniature simulations. To even consider other applications, like style or purpose, would be a different test of qualities altogether. It says "best miniature sculpt." That means one thing--the entry that is the best at being miniature.
Just talking in general here, not Tom vs Kev
-but imagine two sculpts made by equally skilled sculptors. One stands like it's having it's school photo taken, a really boring pose. The other has a dynamic/natural pose. I'd deem the latter the better miniature even if they are both stunningly sculpted. Why isn't it a draw? Because your technique is not enough. Understanding of what makes a great pose, or great armor design, etc. is part of the artistic talent.
If we go back to house building - You may be able to draw anything you see picture perfect - But maybe you couldn't design a decent house if your life depended on it! (Again, it's an extreme example)
(and just to be clear I'm not devaluing Tom's miniatures at all, they are great - I just like to discuss stuff
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succubus very detailed you gotta love hot demons right! Just thought I would put in my 
! keep posting, some great stuff so far ! 
can't tell if the food is painted the bay leaves look fake
