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From i-mcnamara@cornellcollege.edu:
An excellent first (or at least beginning) image.  I love that block technique
you used for the rug, though I cringe to think about how long that took.  Try
an image_map next time maybe?  Let me see... Good modeling and reasonable
textures, though the small scales and high turbulence are adding together to
create a grainy looking texture at this resolution.  It's going to kill your
render times, but you might want to play around with area lights as they will
do wonders in adding realism to your shadows.  Also, read up on radiosity. 
It's a bit confusing at first, but I'm still blown away by what it can do. 
Keep working at it; I hope to see more of your work here in the coming months.
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From m-abel@columbus.rr.com:
I gave you some extra points for the tacky look and feel on artistic merit.  (I
mean sometimes something is tacky, but when it gets REALLY tacky it's an art
form in itself, and I think you're getting close.)  I LOVE the images on the
studio pieces; they're hillarious!  Hope to see more from you in the next
contest.