It is true, you can teach an old dog new tricks but you can't make him drink....or something like that.
I wish to publicly express my gratitude to Joe Cieslowski. Joe has really helped me advance in my attempts to add some carving to my sign-making.
I guess I am into this about 12 pieces now over the last 3 years. I have learned on actual paid jobs. Joe will tell you that you cannot do this without mastering the mechanics of carving first. this will be obvious when you see my first Nole head done last winter compared to the one I completed last week. Both are HDU the fist was carved with tiny carving tools and an x-acto knife. The second was carved with larger tools and a more appropriate carvers knife.
My first Nole Head carved from 1 inch thick HDU. Approximately 32 inches across. Joe sent me an excellent article that he had composed years ago for SignBusiness Magazine about the proper care of good tools, 2 VHS videos of Joe teaching his techniques (PRICELESS), a honing strop, a contact and start up list of big boy carving tools to purchase. he also spent about an hour and a half talking me through some good stuff. He has the heart and expertise of a Master Teacher. I have gone to the expense of transferring those VHS tapes to DVD.
My old tools are gathered on the left. the Real tools are on the right. Gouges, fish tail gouge, viening tool, V-groove tool, straights and skew. Now to learn what each one does.
After some practice and sound advice.
When I asked Joe about the up coming project which would be pushing 48 inches across he told me flat out, 1.5 inch thick material would not be enough depth. I am glad that I took his advice, In spite of disbelieving it at the time. I glued two layers of 1.5 together and got more confident in removing material. I also began not to be so timid, avoiding small cuts that aim for too much refinement. I began to think in larger planes with tool marks. This creates a less plastic look and shouts out, CARVING. I had finished the face and this revelation kicked in as I was carving the hair.
Thanks for all of the help Mr. Chips!
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Nice Bob...the larger tool marks make all the difference and give it that distinctive hand carved look...looks like a fun project and your improvement is evident...but I didn't know Joe C. knew anything about carving. Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Actually, Joe is best at tool sharpening and he tries to carve stuff!
Posted by Bob Kaschak (Member # 3146) on :
Looks great.
Nice color/feel to it.
Peace, Bob
Posted by Pat Welter (Member # 785) on :
Well you got the right guy looking over your shoulder, marked improvement...well done, larger tools greater control...
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
You could mount those together as one piece, and title it "Day and Night".
Posted by Sam Staffan (Member # 4552) on :
Very well done.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Joe knows his stuff, he keeps getting better too.
Posted by Donald Miner (Member # 6472) on :
More proof of that old addage, Practice makes Perfect! Good job!
Posted by Bob Sauls (Member # 11321) on :
Thanks for the encouragement. I do not know about you all but I feel at my best when I am learning how to do something new. Whether it's a tactile skill or even new programs and tools. The skills that this craft demands are the basis for many directions that we can take. That too is a gift.
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
Very nice work Bob!!!
Glad I was able to help. Funny thing is that when I started relief carving I used those same little tools you have.
Make Chips!!!
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
Posted by Felix Marcano (Member # 1833) on :
Very nice! Damn Joe, I always remember what an awesome time we had at your chisel jam! Wish I had more use for my chisels, too. They've been in the closet for years. No one wants to pay for anything carved down here. Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
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