Woodcarving project #4

Well done! Homeless, cold? Despairing?

-- I came, I was conquered, I was born again. ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν

Looking for something different, I discovered what is called Automata. Which appears making inanimate objects and making them animate through gears, cams, pulleys, etc. As subject matter, wanted to replicate either me carving or sitting around small camp-like fire. Therefore, the arms are to be added as the animate portion of the project.

Originally was going to cut out crude figure of myself, but thought it should have “some detail”. One thing led to another and have been spending all the time on carving out very specific details. Peaked interest since not knowing how to carve folds, seams, wrinkles, etc. in clothing. Another exercise in viewing 2D picture and transitioning into 3D in wood, drawing from few problems overcome in carousel carving.

Carved two arms and hands before the body. They were carved from poplar. However, scale of size is wrong now that body is carved and will have to recarve them to more closely match scale and in mahogany.

Spending so much time carving that haven’t even delved into the animate aspect of the project. Kind of afraid of that stage and am perhaps just lingering in the carving stage to avoid the area I fear and do not really understand.

No. Just ready to begin working again to become a functioning part of “the machine”.

Love it. Your talent and gift for carving/sculpting here is undeniable. Any chance we could see another photo that focused more on the face? Also, how tall is the figure?

Thanks for posting this project.
Jim

-- www.chairsbypaulson.com

That’s funny you ask about face. Since the face isn’t exactly the way it needs to be, I allowed it to be shadowed so as not to accentuate it. Think I got over zealous carving the hood back too far and now it looks like figure doesn’t have any ears. Also, since neck is recessed so far back, difficult smoothing out that area. Can’t seem to get carving tool in that deep or sandpaper.

He stands 9-1/2” tall, er, I mean, SITS 9-1/2” high. Not sure how tall it would be standing. The eyes trouble me the most. They appear to look like ancient cave drawings of former cultures. Had hoped that this larger figure would allow me to carve details in face easier, but still so tiny. Also, took too much off right side of nose. Very dissatisfied with face. Not that good yet.

Kind of afraid to shave eyes down further and risk “messing it all up” since the pants came out so well. Although, know that I do have to conquer the face eventually. Currently looking for other things (excuses) to carve or do so as not to have to face my fears. Oh well. Thank you for viewing and your pleasant comments. Will attach facial shot.

That’s a very nice wood sculpture. It seems to convey all sorts of symbolism and meaning – at least to me anyways. Congratulations.

-- If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau

Wow, nice saying helluvawreck. Never heard that one before. So true. Will try to remember it and apply it to my life. Thanks. Thanks also for compliment. I appreciate it. Still attempting to learn how to carve. Very interesting too. There just seems to be something primal, almost sacred about taking a piece of wood and transform it into a piece of art.

If watching television the piece is placed close in order to study it during commercials of if show gets too boring. Always asking myself if the wrinkles or folds look believable, realistic; continually critiquing and refining it. Thank you again for that quote from Thoreau. Will refer to it until remembering it.

Wow. Wonderful! Great artwork. You have great skills!

-- " 'woodworker'.....it's a good word, an honest word." - Sam Maloof

nice job

-- Ben L

I understand the fear of taking it too far and regretting it (in wood and life , lol). But if anything I have learned it is to be fearless and do it. I also had a fear of doing peoples faces, so I recommend attempting with clay first… if can get some I use “Sculpture House Roma Plastilina Modeling Clay” the hardest kind because it keeps great edges.

Looks excellent so far. Keep it posted :)

-- ~ Eric P Jorgenson: Jorgenson Design

Thanks EP. That gruesome thing you are holding looks cool. Is it a dragon or wolf?

That’s a dragon head I carved into a wand this Christmas. I am not a great photographer.. LOL

-- ~ Eric P Jorgenson: Jorgenson Design