FACE TREE

This is a wire and Sphaeroblast piece

(click on the link to go to a post that tells you what a sphaeroblast is, back in Jan 2009)

Due to the tendon problem I have gone netsuke size in the carving. The next issue was mounting and displaying the faces. It was a good opportunity to try carvings without beards and different face styles.

The wire is twisted and shaped very organically and fixed to a slice of a laburnum log. I left the chainsaw marks in the laburnum which adds texture to the base.

There isn't much to say about the faces that follow. I've taken some close ups to show more detail. I have deliberately not made them too life like using existing features in the Sphaeroblast to start the carving.

Glass beads for eyes have added something different and allow you to focus on the key feature like the mouth or nose.

The chap above has obviously stubbed his toe!

Some are just stylised faces

Tim Burton had some influence here.

All attempts to keep to recognised proportions were dropped. Carving caricature.

This next guy is so sad! he is trapped in a cage of wire. he was positioned facing forward and has twice now turned himself around to face the back!!! He obviously is not happy with his lot in this piece. I do have to say he's being silly, at least he hasn't had a hole drilled in his head.

Sticking to pairs and facial conventions have also been ignored with some.

This little old lady's hair emerged from under the bark as you see it here. The darker wood is where the Sphaeroblast is starting to rot and has changed from the lighter wood on top.

The idea with the wire started as just a way to hold the faces, it became something more as the numbers grew and is an integral part of the design with a prominence of its own in places

This started as a collection of small faces in a tub, and is now a...

~FACE TREE~

Ive been asked to try pairs and threes so watch this space.

~Let me know what you think~

BTW: Referral for physical-therapy on the elbow and if that fails injections, if that fails an operation...........! I don't even play bloody tennis.

At least I'm back to carving as there is no difference between rest and no rest with the arm.

The dog is walking on the leg now more than not which is good news. She's still banned from climbing the stairs or jumping in the car... You try telling her that!