...slow does not begin to describe my progress...

   Well another couple of weeks closer to the Charlotte show and a little progress has been made.  As you can tell I am still outlining and blocking in the figure.  When carving it is important to save the detail for last and ensure you have the layout correct first.  Trust me (and the all of my instructors)...it will save a lot of wasted effort if you ensure you have the areas blocked out. 
   As you can see I have the basic head shape and form I was looking for.  The nose is beginning to show basic form , the jaw line is in place,  the ear shape is somewhat defined ,  the shirt collar is starting its curl,  the tie has been sketched and outlined, the hair and crown of the head have the shape I desire, the cheeks and hollows are where I'd like them,  the eye mounds have not been defined yet but I have ensured the brow line I desire will be accomodated by the wood left there.
  So, for next steps I will begin adding detail.  I usually start with the nose, then eyes, moustache and mouth.  I will ensure I have the proper shape to cheeks and temple, And complete the eye brows.  I next will most likely will finish the crown of the head, then on to the ears and hair.  Once complete I will move south until it is complete. 
  As I add the aforementioned detail, I will kepp in mind my goal...to work on actual Caricature.  Given my timeline I better get moving so I ensure I leave time for the base. 

  Stay warm and carve something!!

2010 CCA Seminar and Competition

  Just a quick note to let everyone know that the CCA has published the brochures for the 2010 Seminars and Competition to be held in Converse, IN. 

             http://www.cca-carvers.org/cca_seminar.html

  Good luck to all...

...progress...finally....

So yes, I do still exist...and yes I do need to apologize for not posting my progress...

...sometimes life does get in the way and of course the first to suffer is our art.  My job has taken up a good portion of my time lately and during those times I do not like to push myself to carve as the quality I like will not be there.  What I love about carving is that it's always there waiting for you like an old friend and even when you are too busy to carve you can at least plan your next moves or solve the next riddle.  In my case I was having problems getting my sand paper belts to adhere properly on my sharpening machine and had to turn to my good friend Mark for advice.  It was a good reason to give him a call and catch up on what he's up to as well.

As you can see from the pictures I made some further modifications to the clay model and I went ahead and made a side profile cutout of him.  I then tooks steps to start blocking in the carving.  Mind you no detail will be added to the carving until this "layout" or "blocking in" process has been completed.  At this point in the process it pays to acknowledge the anatomy of the gentlemen to ensure all parts properly line up.  An example of this is ensuring that that the jaw eminates stright down from the front of the earlobe and then curves towards the chin.  Details like this make the carving "believable".  The study of the anatomical features of the face is crucial and if you get a good reference book it will show you the difference between a male and female skull and differing characterisitics.

Have a great day carving, and I'll post updates as I can....ENJOY!!

Designing in clay...

..as a further step towards creating more carvings of my own design  I am taking the carving advice given to me by three well respected carvers (Marv Kaisersatt, Fred Zavadil, and Joe You) and am starting my next design in clay.
   This summer I had the pleasure of seeing a local artisan (Phillippe Faraut) work clay in his studios, he is an amazing artist and most happily shared some of his techniques.  So the wife and I trekked to the local Ceramics supplier and picked up some tools and 100 lbs. of clay.  I spent some of my most recent free time building two sculpting stands and with the recent holiday stretch I have been able to take some vacation and got around to creating this gentlemen on the left.  I am by no means an expert when it comes to working in clay and would only rate myself as a rookie.  Using the knowledge gained from my studio visit and employ some of the recent knowledge I gained by studying anatomy I was able to create him quite simply and yes I now know what a "Zygomatic arch" is and it's location.
The clay being utilized is VERY pliable and easy to mold without having some of the 'memory' and stiffness found in other clays.  It is true though that if I would like this to be permanent I would have to have it fired (unlike some other products that can be baked).  Since clay is not the final medium but rather wood then permanence is not a factor.  You may have noticed that the piece is not completely finished but can be easily completed in a matter of about an hour.  The progress shown in the picture took about 3 hours of fun time.
    As far as the design goes I did nothing special to prepare but knew the headshape and basic essence of the face.  I let caricature and anatomy steer me the rest of the way.  Once completed I will transfer a side profile to a block of my finest basswood and let the chips fly...I'll try and post pictures as progress is made.

A look into another carving mentors world...

For all of you who know Marv Kaisersatt's work the CCA Website is hosting a slideshow of the infamous apartment.  If you know me you know how much I admire this man's work and the effort he puts forth.  The images show only a portion of his work.  I have on a couple of occasions been able to have a couple of conversations with him and he has been a big influence in the creation of "my style of carving".

http://www.cca-carvers.org/marvs-apt/marv-apt-slideshow.html

So if you have a chance, DO check this out as it will give you some insight as to the artistic effort he puts forth. 

I would send a personal thank you to Marv for all he continues to give to the rest of us, our art has been forever blessed by your contributions.

CCA 2010 Seminars...

...the CCA has announced the instructors for their annual seminar to be held in Converse, Indiana in 2010.  More information can be found at the following link:

                   http://www.cca-carvers.org/cca_seminar.html

Stay warm out there!!

...and a one, and a two...

...and a three!  The carving at left was carved this Fall and is destined to be given as a present to a nearby friend.  It was carved in a class given by Mr. Eldon Humphries, here in western NY.  This humorous character is one of Eldon's designs (he has got a quite a few good designs he is currently working with).  This class was very enjoyable and Eldon is a good instructor and each carver left with a well completed carving. 
   Having said all this, I must be honest and say that this carving is really not "my style".  I was shown the carving prior to deciding on the class.  Now this might have you asking "why would I spend the money on a class that is going to carve a figure I personally would not normally carve?".  The answer is quite simple though.  My artistic skills are the composite of all types of knowledge from all sorts of places, media, and instructors.  I attend classes in the hopes that I will learn a new technique, or techniques I would care not to repeat.  The more methods I have at my disposal the greater of variety of carvings I can produce.  So when you are contemplating your next course ask yourself "what can this instructor offer me?"  Once you have an answer to that you can determine whether or not you would be getting your hard earned monies worth.
  As for this class and this carving...I learned to simulate ruffles and scrolls.  Something that will come into use in the future, as for the carving I am sure my friend will cherish it as it truly represents the eccentric individual he is.