[Woodcarver] Texturing Tools

[Joe Dillett]

Hi Ray,

I am very much in favor of texturing for the type of work that I do and the
places that it is displayed. Texturing exposes end-grain, which allows the
finish to penetrate deeper, thus making it look darker. Texturing breaks up
the reflecting light, pointing it in different directions and creates
shadows to make the surface look darker. Texturing is an excellent way to
achieve contrast and add interest and hold the eye, like you have in your
carving of the Vine and Branches. I think it is most helpful for a carver to
develop a wide vocabulary of texturing techniques.

I think the reason might be for the old traditional European carvers to
avoid texturing, and I'm just guessing here, is that even way back when, the
cheaper furniture and some architectural decorations used mass produced
appliques by just attaching them to the surface. I think those old
traditional carvers tried to distance themselves from being mistaken for
using appliques. I think perhaps that's why they use the veiner for stop
cuts, instead of the V-tool, so the transition between the background and
raised portion is a smooth and rounded which makes a more gradual
transition. This makes the raised portion almost appear as though the design
is growing out of the background. That way it would never be mistaken for an
applique. With this technique of a curved transition from the background to
the raised portion there is no definite line where the background stops and
the carving begins. Also the textured background will make it look more like
an applique process and not carved from a single piece. This is just my
guess as to why texturing is seldom used by the old traditional carvers.

I do know that you can achieve a very different look by softening the
transition between levels with the curve of a veiner rather than the sharp
transition of a V-tool. We seem to want our carving to jump off the board,
almost to hit people in the face. We enhance this separation by using
undercuts to create deeper shadows and make the design float away from the
background. That is just the kind of people we are and that is the way I
love to do my carvings. I want people to be able to see them from the road.

However in the old traditional European style most of the carvings were used
in a formal setting like churches and formal gathering places where a softer
look is less distracting and blends better with the feeling of the whole
space. This softer look is accomplished by making the stop cuts with the
elegant curve of the veiner, which is much less harsh than using the V-tool.

That's my story and I'm sticking with it. But remember this is only my guess
with no facts to back it up as to why old traditional carvers use textured
backgrounds less than what we do.


Joe Dillett
The Carving Shop
645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
Somonauk, IL. 60552
(815) 498-9290 phone
(815) 498-9249 fax
http://www.thecarvingshop.com
jdillett at thecarvingshop.com
http://www.carvingmagazine.com Carving Magazine web site and Readers Forum
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "RAY MIGHELLS" <raymighells at earthlink.net>
To: "[Woodcarver]" <woodcarver at six.pairlist.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2004 5:53 PM
Subject: [Woodcarver] Texturing Tools


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For Gene and anyone else curious,  I used Bill Judts suggestion and used
common hardware bolts (6" length and a variety of diameters).  Grind the
sides for the footprints you want,  then file the grouves in the end for the
pattern.  I file mine to just shy of a sharp point.  The old time classical
carvers said that textured backgrounds were due to a lack of skill in
carving a smooth surface.  Kind of an egotistical mind set in my book.
Maybe sometimes in formal carving you want a smooth background,  but this
type carving, texturing gives a much greater projection of the design.
Thanks to all who have commented on my new stuff.  Ray Mighells  6760 Rt 417
Killbuck NY 716 945 0098 Please view my work at:
http://www.picturetrail.com/razaxnstuff



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