My on-line carving instructor, Mary May, created a cornucopia project prior to Thanksgiving, 2017. I did not finish my rendition in time for the annual feast, but enjoyed the process.
Early stages as I define the outer edges. First with V-chisel and then variety of gouges.
Basswood was used for its workability. After the relief carving was completed I gave it a light spray of shellac and then “colorized” using diluted acrylic paints for a wash effect.
The result was interesting. Not sure if I prefer the natural look or the painted version. From a distance the painted version can almost look like a mere painting, whereas left natural it is more obviously carved.
I have created a couple of shallow relief carvings from photographs taken at the Tales From the Tavern series in Santa Ynez, California. The first was of personal favorite, Sam Baker.
Singer/songwriter Dave Alvin in Mahogany
Next up was Dave Alvin. At his Fall 2016 show, producer, Ron Colone, showed the carving to Dave prior to going on. Dave was smitten by it, so it was his. I met him after the show and signed the piece, which was carved in Mahogany (as was the Sam Baker carving).
Carving is my go-to rainy day activity. Hopefully, a wet winter will give me the opportunity to expand this series.
Tom and Dave after his Fall 2016 Tales From the Tavern show.
Early stages of the Sam Baker carving, 2015. The blue lines indicate areas which go under the adjacent surfaces.
In late 2013 I began to play with relief carving through Mary May’s wonderful online lessons. I do not foresee adding carvings to my furniture designs, however it is fun and adds depth to understanding cutting tools and techniques.
When the rains (hopefully) and short daylight hours of winter hit the driveway workshop, carving is an activity I can enjoy in my office where I have a small bench.
Mary has well over 100 projects with a new project added each week ranging from simple exercises to very complex. I bounced around the lessons, selecting those that were visually compelling or laid a foundation for those that caught my eye.
Here are some images from those early lessons and a few that were of my own conception.
A driveway designer and woodworker sharing thoughts, experiences and impressions of the journey.
