incredible wood carvings

8/9/2019 Incredible Wood Carvings

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Incredible wood carvings!

Mr. Randall D. Boni wildlife sculpture artist.

A wood carver begins a new carving by selecting a chunkof wood the approximate size and shape of the figure heor she wishes to create or, if the carving is to be large,

several pieces of wood may be laminated together tocreate the required size. The type of wood is important.Hardwoods are more difficult to shape but have greaterluster and longevity. Softer woods may be easier tocarve, but are less resistant to damage. Any wood can becarved but they all have different qualities and


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characteristics. The choice will depend on therequirements of carving being done: for example adetailed figure would need a wood with a fine grain andvery little figure. Once the sculptor has selected their

wood, he or she begins a general shaping process usinggouges of various sizes. The gouge is a curved blade thatcan remove large portions of wood smoothly. For harderwoods, the sculptor may use a chisel and mallet, similarto a stone carver. Smaller sculptures may require thewood carver to use a knife, and larger pieces mightrequire the use of a saw. No matter what wood isselected or tool used, the wood sculptor must always

carve either across or with the grain of the wood, neveragainst the grain.

Figural carving seems to have been widespread. Thecarving to represent one's god in a tangible form findsexpression in numberless ways. The early carver, and, forthat matter, the native of the present day, has found adifficulty in giving expression to the eye, and at times has

evaded it by inlaying this feature with colored material.

After the carving and finishing is completed, the artistmay seal & color the wood with a variety of natural oils,such as walnut or linseed oil which protects the woodfrom dirt and moisture. Oil also imparts sheen to thewood which, by reflecting light, helps the observer 'read'the form. Carvers seldom use gloss varnish as it creates

too shiny a surface, which reflects so much light it canconfuse the form; carvers refer to this as 'the toffee appleeffect'. Objects made of wood are frequently finished witha layer of wax, which protects the wood and gives a softlustrous sheen. A wax finish is comparatively fragilethough and only suitable for indoor carvings...


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incredible wood carvings

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