New cypress knee project

[CV3]

This is a 16" high Cypress knee.

Attachment 138502 Attachment 138503

[Whittling]

Interesting medium. I've never tried Cypress Knees before. I've carved lots of cypress, but I'm not sure of the latin name so I don't know if we're talking about the same species. Probably not as I've never seen anything like that growing on a cypress tree here.

What does it compare with to carve?

[CV3]

Interesting medium. I've never tried Cypress Knees before. I've carved lots of cypress, but I'm not sure of the latin name so I don't know if we're talking about the same species. Probably not as I've never seen anything like that growing on a cypress tree here.

What does it compare with to carve?

In the biology of trees, a cypress knee is a distinctive structure in a root of a cypresstree of any of various species of the subfamily Taxodioideae. Their function is unknown, but they are generally seen in swamps. Some scientists have thought they may help in providing oxygen to the tree and assist in anchoring the tree in the soft, muddy soil.
<O></O>
It is an unusual wood to work with. It varies a lot in texture. It can be very hard to work with your hand tools. Even with the sharpest blade. The texture can change from very hard to so soft it fells like cutting in to a roll of toilet paper with a butter knife. I use a combination of power and knifes on them. There is a great book on carving the cypress knees by Carol Jean Boyd. “Carving Cypress Knees” She has a web site also. I love the finished product but some time I ask my self why are you do this again. <O></O>

[artme]

Very expressive piece CV3!!