Sunday, March 7, 2010

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











6 comments:

Robin Olsen said...

Your pieces are fabulous and have so much personality! Love seeing some of the steps involved since I know nothing about wood carving.

Dayna Collins said...

Yikes Almighty! Steph. Thanks for showing us the amazing process and how one of your "ladies" is birthed. I love her as I love all of your pieces.

Tory Brokenshire said...

Just wonderful Steph, I enjoyed the tool list and would like to learn more about power chisels.
Your colors are yummy!

Dreamcicle Journeys said...

Thanks for sharing how you create your wood carvings Stephh. I love their quirky, folksy nature.

Renee Troy said...

This piece is awesome!

cynthia said...

This piece really speaks to me, and I enjoyed seeing the process of how they come to life from a big chunk of wood. Worth every penny, I say.