[Woodcarver] Chip Chats cover project Jan-Feb 2010 Issue {chat}

[Ray Mighells]

Hi, Y'all;  Has any one carved the neat chicken project shown on the 
cover of Jan-Feb 2010 Chip Chats?  If not, why not?  It's a neat and 
unique design, and presents many challenges.  I'd like to see pics of 
any that were done or are being worked on.  I'm doing one, the Chicken 
is 22" high and the base is an additional 6 " for flowers and a sign.  
It is pretty well formed and modeled, just starting to do the finishing 
, smoothing cuts.  I will not sand it, it will be completely "Off The 
Knife" as I usually do.  If anyone wants a look I'll post it in my PT 
album.  A few years ago we had somewhat of a discussion on Carving the 
Acanthus Leaf  motif.  Phil Pittman mentioned someone had asked him to 
do a book on the subject and at the time he wasn't too anxious about 
it.  He is a classical carver and does high volume high end work.  He 
has some awesome carvings in his web-site.  Anyhoo, I personally like 
carving the acanthus motif and I have arrived at the conclusion that in 
order to carve it well you should be able to draw it both profile and 
elevation.  The designs are basically variations of the letters "S" and 
"C" or both and embellished to suit.  Something to think about  Ray