[Woodcarver] Re: question about relief carving

[Ivan Whillock]

There's no need for carvers to be defensive about using power.  It seems we often apply values on things that don't need to be--as some talk of sandpaper as  being "right" or "wrong" or using power as "right" or "wrong."  Rather than being right or wrong, it's a matter of taste and style--a bit like deciding whether to play an acoustic guitar or an electric one.  Kinda depends on what you like and what you're trying to accomplish.

A performer of classical music will likely use an acoustic guitar, just as a classical carver will often decide to use only hand tools.  It continues a tradition, assumes a particular way of working, and maintains a working environment that one enjoys.  It also serves as a challenge, which many artists like.

I personally trained in the classical tradition, have worked that way for over 30 years and have been happy to pass that tradition on to other carvers.  The no power, no sandpaper rule is in effect in my studio, not that is somehow cheating, but simply because it is not part of the tradition I follow and which I am trying to pass on.  

Segovia might have sounded great on a Fender Telecaster, but he chose to be a "purist" and play a classical guitar, continuing a tradition he no doubt enjoyed and valued.  Stevie Ray Vaughn certainly could have played great blues on a classical guitar.  Instead, he chose to knock us out with his Telecaster.

In art the only important rules are those you impose upon yourself.

Ivan Whillock Studio
122 NE 1st Avenue
Faribault, MN  55021
Visit my website at
http://www.whillock.com
Visit my Picture Trail album at
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=ivancarve
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