I have just read the March edition of the Chris Pye Newsletter. On the letter were several fine articles offered for download for free. One in particular was a list of 101 thoughts about woodcarving. I felt that the following were important to mention here so here we go, want more just follow the link to Chris’s site.
# 5 All carving must be thought out before you put the tool to work. Thinking backwards will insure that there is some wood left on the remaining wood to accomplish each aspect of the finished carving. As a former machinist I remember that as my way to set up each piece I made.
#44 Always use the largest possible tool, it is Just working smart.
#49 If the carving does not look right it is not right. The eye will tell more to each carving if you practice using it. All beginners need to learn this first, and struggle with it the hardest. Don’t think in terms of carving but in terms of how the hunk of wood portrays the end object. I suggest placing the carving upside down, looking in a mirror or put in front of the TV at night and look at it during commercials, then you see the mistakes. Placing a relief carving on the floor and stand over it, the errors in proportion and foreshortening will jump out at you.
#50 Procrastination must end, yes but it is so hard to get over it, and some day I will get around to it.
#51 Without research you carve a simple form, with it you see form, movement and details. I normally use 3 to 10 pictures from books and the Internet to inspire and select an area on each to improve the carving.
#80 ONLY Practice makes the Master
#97 I feel that boosting in the masses the most important function in carving. Each island of wood left will allow a portion to be carved later. Pay strict attention to angles and distances, dimensions for arms, elbows, etc. As you say in 100 form first!!
Thank You Chris Pye
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