Bangs, Toggle Sweaters, and Kids

Before we get into all the arts and crafts and kids, this week's video joy came courtesy of the Extended Judges' Table. Were you a fan of Jerry's toggle sweater? Well you have Bill Powers to thank for that, because evidently Bill took Jerry shopping to help step up his style. Oh the things you learn off-screen.

This week's challenge was full of surprises, much like Michelle's creepy peek-a-boo eye sculpture. First off -- KIDS! The artists were all paired with an aspiring mini-artist of their own and had to make a companion piece to their partner's work. Second, was it just me or were a lot of those kids' pieces really good? I'm no artist myself (although I do make stellar homemade greeting cards), so when I saw Zelda's colorful creation I was pretty impressed. Also call me crazy, but I enjoyed Kymia's partner's carrot on the beach watercolor (and Kymia's eerily awesome fairy tale interpretation of it). And then between China's bangs and SJP's appearance, I was completely overwhelmed. What next? Would Simon show up without a suit? Or better yet, the same 'do as China? They really kept me guessing this week.

The elimination was all about growth. Dusty took the win for his best work in the competition yet, and it looked like a really fun piece. Tewz's piece however didn't grow naturally out of his partner's work and for that he was sent home.

However let's talk about Jerry threatening to go "medieval" on the Sucklord if he doesn't get more imaginative. First off, I think Bill Powers had it right when he said in his blog, "Nice to hear Jerry quoting Pulp Fiction, but I'm not sure it is physically possible to go medieval on someone while you're wearing a toggle sweater." I'd have to agree with that one. The irony is that as we learned before, Bill helped pick it out! Maybe next time they go shopping together Bill can help Jerry pick out a leather jacket. Or some chainmail. Extra, extra, read all about it! Next week the artists receive their challenge from The New York Times!