Anatomy of a Carving........

It doesn't start off very glamorous. In this case a big chunk of bass wood. But stay tuned, it gets better, promise.
After glueing and clamping the wood to get the size I need. I sketch on both the top and side.


Next the piece of wood is run through a band saw, to cut out my design, again on the top and side.


I then power carve and hand carve with chisels, many sandings later I get the final shape. Wood is subtractive and not forgiving, but there in lies the challenge that intrigues me. And when the time comes to paint her, painting being my first love... well it all seems worth it!
I delivered her to Guardino Gallery today. She's called "Bravo Girl" done in the outsider folk art that calls my name these days.... http://www.guardinogallery.com