Finished up a carving today

[street]

I finished up a carving today. It is one chip at a time and no electric tools used to carve. I get a 5 gallon bucket of chips from a carving. lol
http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif
http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

 

[RunningBum]

That's awesome! How long does it take to do something like this? Is this for your own use, or is it a business?

 

[street]

It takes about 35/40 hours. I do it for enjoyment but it has become more then a hobby. Lol I do sell some and also give some to charity events for them to raise money.

 

[Doribe]

That is great.

 

[zinger1457]

That's awesome!

+2

 

[travelover]

How did you know that was inside the tree?

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

Thats really nice, I painted my mothers garage door once. It was one step above graffiti. I have no artistic talent at all.

 

[SpinDr]

Beautiful! Has a bit of a sad song element to it. Makes you think.

 

[Dreamer]

That is great.

+1

 

[MRG]

How did you know that was inside the tree?

It would be written all over it's "face"(sorry old sawmill joke).

Awesome carving!

 

[omni550]

Very nice work!

How long have you been pursuing this hobby?

How tall is the piece? (I'm guessing 12"-15", based on it sitting atop a table and the umbrella shaft next to it.)

omni

 

[Ronstar]

Very nice! Just wondering - how long do you wait after the tree is cut down before you start your carving? And do you put a sealer on it when you're done?

 

[street]

The carvings are about 24 inches high and I have messed around with carving for 20 years but only started this type the last 10 years. When I say 20 years that is I might have done a small project in one years. Time was always a factor but always had the interest in creating and using my imagination.

These logs come from trees the beaver have taken down and they may lay 3 to 4 years before I will use them. I get them from my ranch on the river bottom mostly. I have went and cut some pieces and have them stored in my shed when I get the urge to carve. Lol

I only use oil on them when I done. When color is used it is all natural things like tree bark, dirt, berry's, scoria, coal etc. and will use a colored pencil once and a while.

When I start a carving I don't look at a picture I just start and do as I go and the carving takes me to the end. The one thing I just don't carve to carve when I get the urge I start one and my finish it in 4 days or it may take two month's. I don't make it a job.

 

[target2019]

My F-I-L did a carving like that. A tree died, and he carved away after having the top taken off. Of course rot and insect damage had a serious impact over ten years or so.

He had the same technique. Used chain saw, motorized tools, chisels, etc. The tree was probably 18-24" in diameter.

 

[Koogie]

+13 very cool.

The city we used to live in had a carving project for old tree stumps, broken trees, etc.. They had engaged a "chainsaw artist" who came around and made public art from peoples trees. He did some very cool stuff. I used to pass one every day on my walk to work.

Jim Menken Chainsaw Carving - JIM MENKEN Chainsaw Carving

 

[street]

Koogie >>>> thanks for the link that is very good! I don't use a chain saw or any electric tools to carve. I do it the old fashion way one chip at a time with home made tools, chisels, gouges etc..

 

[Nemo2]

Beautiful!

 

[CardsFan]

Thats really nice, I painted my mothers garage door once. It was one step above graffiti. I have no artistic talent at all.

That is about my level of artistic talent as well.

To OP: Beautiful work. I am envious of people that can see the potential in a block of wood, or a stack of iron, and make something so awesome.

 

[Nodak]

Very nice!

 

[PatSea]

Very nice!

 

[Just_Steve]

Outstanding!
More pics of your work would be if you have some.

 

[GravitySucks]

How did you know that was inside the tree?

Really and truly lol'ed

Very impressive carving!

 

[Moemg]

I love it ! Great work !

 

[street]

I was asked to post a few more carvings I have done. I will look for a few more to share with you folks also.

Thanks so much for the kind words. I like to share a few picture from time to time because if I sell or give them to charity I never get to see them again. A carving is very unique in the regards that there is never another just like it. A painting for instants you can make prints.

http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif
http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

Maybe someone can rotate them. Thanks

 

[Amethyst]

Such personality! I like that he is wearing what looks like beaver tails, and it's from a beaver-harvested tree.