Thankyou to everyone who submitted. There were 16 entries, each one providing insight into benefits of having this item in UO. I wish i could reward all of you, and was not looking forward to having to make a selection (the main reason i was hesitant to running this little contest at all) But glad i did. I feel like ive gotten to know the game that is UO a little better.
The entries seemed to move in 3 main directions:
Those who personally and genuinely liked the actual item.
Those who applied the items content in a symbolic sense to give it personal value and meaning.
And those who liked the item for its representation of UO as a whole, as a game with no set definitions. Something for everyone, where the value is not in the immediate content at hand, but rather in the journey, the unknowns, the fun in enjoying the vast variations of UOs content. The appeal is in the disregard for limitations or expectations.
Because of the generosity of an anonymous donor i was able to reward 2 entries with the painting as a prize, but hope that you all had a good time.
Here are the two selections:
@Lord_Rotin
We would like to get a Hand on that item, because it fits directly in our new house design: “the kindergarten” we are building for new (younger) players in Luna. I got a daughter of 8 years myself. She recently started playing attended Ultima Online. (She is only allowed to play at weekend together with me). So when I showed her this new art in the other thread, where it was found in the code. She was so excited about it. She really loves it. And I told her that we will hunt together for this, when it comes up on Easter. Unfortunately it was not an Easter gift and she was so disappointed about that. L - I promised her that I will hunt for one, if it ever shows up. Unfortunately i can´t afford to buy those on the rares board. But if you would give this painting to us, we would really appreciate it and it will get a special spot in our new Player house. – Sorry I think it I will not be able to make longer stories and arguments for it, as my English isn´t the best. - My daughter would be so happy if i can get this painting for her....
I chose this one because it showed genuine appreciation of the painting's content as being perfect for youth, or those with a lighthearted, youthful spirit.
@Landicine
I will admit that in isolation, it is an imperfect image. Its colors are bright primaries that remind me of the childhood posters that used to decorate the walls of school and church. It is cutsie in a way that is almost saccharine.
Many have claimed that it doesn't fit UO, but I think they are wrong. UO has always been a strange mish-mash of art, objects, mechanics, and stories. Is this picture out of place considering things like giant holiday gifts, blessed bacon, and punk hair colors? Does this picture fit a world with Exodian robots, orc pirates, and dinosaurs? Yes, yes, it does.
I would like this picture because it is part of the weird and unpredictable legacy that is Ultima Online.
The last line on this one sums up an overall sentiment of many of the entries, and why many love and continue to play UO after all these years.
Thankyou all for participating. If anyone else would like to publicly post their entry, feel free. Or not. I just wanted the entries to be as individual and uneffected before the contest was over. All were very good and thankyou again for the insight provided into this particular UO item and on a larger scale, what makes UO a very special game.
I've pmed the 2 players to arrange for pickup of the paintings.