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Jean and I approach choosing a carving subject quite differently. Jean will select two or three pieces of Cottonwood bark looking for an image that any part of the wood might suggest. She will then begin carving that image, working in either direction to further develop and support the initial effort. She might start to carve a thatched roof cottage then see a tree line or a stairway that allows her to work up and down the bark to further refine the setting. The photo with the hand tools shows how she proceeds. Once a piece is begun she will work on it to completion before starting on another carving.
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Jean's work above shows
Cottonwood and tools. |
I on the other hand compile a written list of subjects that I'd like to carve. I do a series of rough sketches, look for photo reference, and further develop the drawings. From there a side and top view, at scale, is drawn. These drawings are then transferred to the wood selected and a band saw is used to cut the subject from the wood. Power tools are preferred, primarily because they are faster for me to work with.
In the image above, both are beginning efforts.
The work on the left, when complete will be a natural wood finish.
The work on the right will be a painted image. |
Although I do use gouges to shape and sharpen details. Also I work on a number of carvings at the same time. These carvings are normally at varying stages of completion. A day is begun working on the carving nearest completion and as the day progresses less developed pieces are worked on.
We both work about the same when applying finishes. A clear matte seal is first applied. Then we apply a polyurethane, an acrylic, oil, or dye depending on the wood and desired effect. It's necessary to say that a number of talented and sharing people have provided a lot of help to us. For that I am indebted and grateful. I sincerely thank those I owe; from those who have had encouraging words, to the many helping hands. Thank you.
All designs have been created by www.sculptedimages.com with the exception of the Mountain Goat and Cape Buffalo. We carved the pieces, but designs are by Jim Wilsford.
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