Thread: Torso

great job, I wish I had the "artistic flair" to carve, (wonder if I can carve stick figures) because that's all i can draw

Oh Raav, just remember who gave you the tip on the Huon (Discount, discount).

Shedbound, Just have a go, I can't draw that well but I can copy and print and trace. My artistic flair comes almost exclusively
from pics on here and the internet. I'm still very much a novice but I love carving.

Thanks Robthechisel,I am super keen to try my hand at carving sometime, I am slowly collecting some chisels, I very much doubt that I will be posting any pics on the forum!

Shed, I don't know if this helps at all. I have been carving western red cedar, most of it local, abundant and free. I "see" things in the wood. That's what I carve. Simple as that. Those carvings have been thrilling to complete. I don't find anything too mystical in it anymore. Oddly(?), my grandmother told me to expect that it would happen.
I have a large stash of wood which is just wood. I see nothing in it. Maybe 6 months, maybe never. Logs and chunks, indoors and outdoors in the snow.
There's a 8" x 7' hemlock log leaning up against a book case downstairs. I will get to that, trust me.

I think that the real deal is just to do what the wood tells you. There's an idea, it soaks in your head. You see the wood that it fits into. You start. Maybe this seems really freaky. I was shocked when it began, now I am happy to see it.

Thanks Robson, I never looked at it that way,(let the timber tell me what it wants to be). Maybe its my carpentry back ground, working in straight lines all the time and doesnt allow my brain to be "free" for lack of another term.

Shedbound, When you do get around to doing some carving you should post the pictures, good or bad, there's a lot of very experienced carvers on here that are willing to help you with advice on how to improve. I have learnt a lot that way, looking at your age, your a fair bit younger than me and you have carpentry experience. When I started carving 16 months ago I had very basic woodwork experience and a few blunt chisels but a big desire to learn and have fun with it. Just have a go and I think you'll surprise yourself, by the time you get my age you'll be producing gallery quality pieces and wondering what you worried about.

Originally Posted by Robthechisel

Shedbound, When you do get around to doing some carving you should post the pictures, good or bad, there's a lot of very experienced carvers on here that are willing to help you with advice on how to improve. I have learnt a lot that way, looking at your age, your a fair bit younger than me and you have carpentry experience. When I started carving 16 months ago I had very basic woodwork experience and a few blunt chisels but a big desire to learn and have fun with it. Just have a go and I think you'll surprise yourself, by the time you get my age you'll be producing gallery quality pieces and wondering what you worried about.

16 months rob? your very talented and a natural. My trouble is in my minds eye I see things in 2D my goal is to retrain the brain to work in 3D. My background has taught me everything must be straight and square.

A very well executed piece!!

The join line is interestin as it does not detract from the overall impression.

My only ïffy"bit is the arms. They just seem a little ghoulish.