What an interesting thread!
Aren't we simply saying that Amount of Fame Doesn't Necessarily Equate to Level of Skill? If so, I think several of us agree on that. (Loved the basketball story Van!) Is the Wood Whisperer more skilled than our own George Wilson, Brian Holcome, Derek Cohen or any of a dozen others? And how are we gonna measure that? What constitutes skill and how do you compare 2 people's skills? That's a whole other kettle of fish, and another long thread!
I like Maloof's work. I like Krenov's. I like them because the shapes, textures, finishes and details connect with me. I don't like them because they're famous. But I probably "discovered" them because they were famous - they got the publicity, maybe because others saw them and felt connected to the work. It doesn't bug me that some foundation recognized Maloof - they didn't say he was a genius. They said his work was nice and wanted to support it. Ok. Their money, their rules.
Fred
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”