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Yes, there IS a 'process': from block of wood to finished carving; a process that is hidden within the finished carving but which is common to every carving.
Understanding and trusting in this process - what you are going to do at any point and how carving 'works' - gives you enormous freedom to tackle any project you want. Even those of which you never thought yourself capable.
| 17 February 2021 09:04
William - Good for you! It's a mistake to learn on uncooperative wood and getting some lime is the best way to go. Step by step.
Joy and success to your carving!
| 15 February 2021 11:43
William - I'm assuming you are talking about the Frog Bowl project? The carving mixes relief carving (the leg inside the bowl) and carving in-the-round (the frog itself, with toes sticking over the edge). I honestly don't think I could carve it like this by carving the frog separately and adding it to the rest. As it is, the figuring and lines run true, and there is no join to be seen. All of this makes it quite an advanced piece of course.
If you are asking: Can you carve something separately and add it to something else? Absolutely you can. A lot of ornamental work is indeed 'applied' (though we carvers call it 'appliqué' and charge more) and sometimes it's just an easier way to do things.
With our frog, if as a beginner you think you could have a go at carving the frog and bowl separately but not together, do go ahead. But also think now about re-designing it. What about that leg inside the bowl? Perhaps lose it? How about shaping the rim of the bowl to include a lily pad on which the frog sits? That sort of thing.
Congratulations, by the way, on starting out on your carving journey!
Don't be overwhelmed by all the stuff that's here. Get into those simpler projects and spend as much time as possible at the bench with gouge in hand, rather than watching too many advanced projects. You'll soon get those fundamental skills under your belt and be up and away!
