Indian carving

This piece is simply stunning in its realism!

I think each finished version has its own aesthetic appeal. I have a hard time deciding which one I like better, but I think I’m actually leaning toward the first finish technique.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Great carving, Mike, both of them ;). However, IMHO, I prefer your first color attempt. I believe the dark color gave a richness to the wood. I’m not a fan of ‘shiny’ either and possibly in real the shininess is more pronounced which would detract from the carving but in the photo it looks great.

-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com

Very nice carving. I tend to agree with you, the second finish looks better to me. Great job.

-- Glenn, New Mexico

Great job!

Thanks for the post

Callum

-- For wood working podcasts with a twist check out http://thetimberkid.com/

Very Nice!! Exellent craftsmanship!!! I like the first darker one better. It looks more natural. You could aways try clear natural shellac?

-- Dennis Zongker

Beautiful Mike! I wish I had your artistic skills.

-- Always remember half of the people in this country are below average.

Beautiful piece…whatever the finish. I envy your carving skills…thanks for sharing this!

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog

amazing!!!!
I wouldn’t have had the nerve nor the patience to remove the first finish. Very impressive.
I like the last photo.. the “red” in the hair pieces were a surprise.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Exquisite detail! It is a beautiful work of art. Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

Both versions look great, but if I had to really judge this, my preference is the natural stained woodgrain.

But with a matte, or satin finish.

I think it a great carving though, you did a great job of shaping the head, & face.

I’ve carved an Indian head, but I had trouble of creating his face too flat looking.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Brilliant carving and the finish looks great.

Thanks for the pics

Woody.

-- Woody, UK

Mike A grat job. I think I’d like the first one but with a less glossy finish. But, the colored one looks nice also.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

I’m with the rest of the guys, the first one for me with a satin finish would be my choice. Excellent work, the face looks as if it has a lot of life stories to tell!

-- Colin, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. "Every craftsman was once an amateur"

Looks great. I think both finishes had pluses, but the second the better.

-- Michael A. Brailsford

Great carving – wish I could do that.

Mike, having carved an Indian head myself I am aware of how difficult it is to get the fantastic results you attained. I like the first finish. I prefer more of a matte finish. But….........strawberry, chocolate, etc. Once
the sundae is made it is up to the eater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

-- Charlotte, Tennessee. A toothpick or a forest...I see a project in each.

I prefer the first finish too looks the best of the three simple as that .I too would have used a matt or eggshell varnish not to be too shiney.Alistair

-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease

seems there is a consensus about “not shiny”....

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I like them all. you are an excellent carver

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

Thanks everybody for the comments. The one that I sprayed got shiny when I put some de-wax shellac on it.
I don’t think I will be doing that again.

-- Mike www.flickr.com/photos/paturner

Wow!!! Is all I can say, I’m very impressed with your skill, in bringing out the character in this. Superb work.

-- Dan Wiggins

very very nice! the carving and detail are amazing! also i think that your finishing mistake really turned into a success. i think that the hair and the skin being different colors really makes it look lifelike! thanks for the post.

Awesome carving. The details are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

They all look fantastic. I think the first finish has a bronze look to it, both are really nice

-- Tony - Filer, Idaho

Very nice, The realism is superb. You did a very good carve.

-- Mike, Bruce Mississippi = Jack of many trades master of none

Do you do commissions? I’d like you to do my head; should be easy, only has four corners (LOL).

Seriously, very nice.

-- http://newmissionworkshop.com

You are not just a woodworker sir but also an artist. Good show!

-- Bill from Lithia Springs, GA I love the smell of sawdust in the morning.

Can’t believe I missed this.
I love it. You do some great carving.

-- Kirk H. -- http://www.kjwoodworking.com

Great detail. beautiful piece.

-- Bug from Minnesota

Excellent artistry

-- Thos. Angle

very nicely done.

I am not one to be politically correct but if I were to be politically correct I would call it a “Native Carving”

-- http://www.furnituremann.ca/