I started carving a stick out of a piece of Hazel harvested last year. Before long it started to develop into a carving doodle..... a useful one as it was going to become a walking stick. The first photo shows my modest work station in the utility room, and a great piece of art done by one of my boys.
This is the top carving, which would normally be the only one on a walking stick
The stone effect added after being inspired from reading a Shawn Cipa book I received at Christmas
The carvings progressed on as I started to think of this as a chance to doodle over the seasonal break without having to plan anything
The stone work links the carvings. though each carving was done and then the stone work added
I decided to try some new approaches
Mixed with the traditional, which I love doing
Beards that become hair
Beardless but more mouth detail
Different noses
Simple faces without emotion
Linking down to my favourite that will make solo appearances soon
And a great transition between the Woodwose and the Green Man which is poignant when considering the link between the Green Man and the Wood-spirit, Woodwose
This is what doodling can achieve without planning :-)
Again, as with other aspects, this Green Man is inspired by Shawn Cipa
The bottom of the stick is quite thick and as such I didn't have a ferrule that would fit. Another great thing about doing a doodle is that its not supposed to follow convention or any pattern. I decided to use a Worktop connector as a foot of the stick to protect the bottom from getting damaged. It also remains true to re-use and adapting, recycling, and is quite effective.
The screw is threaded into the stick by at least 2.5 inches and will protect the foot of the stick from wear
The pictures are a little yellow as they were taken under artificial light and quickly so I could post. I will be adding some pyrography in the way of Futhark Runes below the carvings
Soon to be on sale in the Woodwose Folksy Shop so watch out for it
Your comments on the carvings (not the photography) as always is asked for and gratefully received
~ Regards Dave ~
~ Jan 2011 ~
4 comments:
I like the idea of doddling in wood, might give it a try.
Whatever nice bit of carving.
What a wonderful piece. My doodles never turn out like that! I am becoming addicted to your work. Makes me relax just looking at it....
Thanks for the lovely comments
Glo: Do you have a blog that promotes your work? if you do send me the link.
Regards Dave
No I'm afraid i don't have a blog -in fact I barely know what one is and had to ask my kids at school. They looked at me in the way only teenagers can and slowly explained in a sort of 'poor old dear' tone. I was so interested in your 'stuff' that I gave it a go and so...Recently bought your Gentleman in Sycamore and have just bought your dog's friend for a dog loving friend of mine as a birthday present. Keep carving on as I have needs for tactile pieces to keep me sane in this crazy job of teaching.
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