[Woodcarver] Quick question

[Joe Dillett]

For a beginning carver, after blocking out a figure, animal or caricature
carving, what area do you start detailing first?
This question was brought up the other day and I just assumed that it was up
to the individual. Any other suggestions?   Top - down?   Front to back?
Thanks
Jimmy B.

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Hi Jimmy B.

This is not really a quick question but it is a good question. One of the
concepts I was taught in school was to set the head on the shoulders early
in the sculpture (human or animal). This determines the balance, curve of
the backbone and the mood of the sculpture.

Clive also said it on here, correctly, to work the whole to keep all the
features in balance.

Lately I've been applying the method above but also working with a concept
Ivan Whillock has taught is to carve only from the front. Carving from the
front will determine the outline and establish all the front plains. Don't
carve the backside until all the front planes are established. This gives
the freedom to move a plain back if needed. Ivan describes this process as
visualizing the object in a bathtub full of water. As you drain the water
you carve each feature as it appears.

I first draw the outline of the object with the backbone and other bones
(lines with circles where the joints are located) This helps determine the
balance. After outline the profile I carve the outline straight back (like a
bandsaw cut from the front only). Than I carve from the front visualizing
the water being drained from the bathtub, carving each feature as it
appears.

I hope this helps.


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
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