Carving Styles

[MelNM]

I was curious to know how everyone came up with their style of carving. I have really noticed it with the Santas and also woodspirits.

That is a good question. I have often wondered about peoples styles and interests. Most bird carvers are very predictable when it comes to style. My carving style was strongly influenced by Jim Sprankle. I enjoy realism. I try different things, but always go back to what I enjoy. Hope to see others post to this subject.

Study everything and everyone - keep what feels right, get rid of the rest. Don't be afraid to stretch what you do keep til it fits you just right.

Teri

[Callynne]

I guess 'my style' is realistic carving, funny, cause that's not what I started out to do. I love the more primitive or rustic carvings, but when I tried my first piece that's not what came out. I mean my first pieces are sort of primitive looking, more square and less 'flowing' than they are now but they were still realistic looking. It was a big surprise to me! And, of course, now my goal is to make them VERY realistic looking. Especially Santa, after all, he is real....right!! I KNOW I BELIEVE!! Callynne

I just whittle what comes to mind ... often changing in the middle of a carving ... if I don't feel it I can't do it. Caricatures, fantasy, realistic, stylized, they all work at one time or another.

Really dont know where I developed the style of woodspirits that I do. I was at a show last weekend and many people commented on how they were all the same face but funny enough all different. I never looked at it that way but I guess they are right they all have beards and moustaches but they are all different. I have been told by judges that I dont win a lot of ribbons because they are not anotomicly correct. I try to tell them its because they are not supposed to represent anyone or anything and that they should grant me some artistic licence and freedom of expression. I recieved a call last month from a lady who had been travelling in the south pacific and on a small island was one of my carvings. She said she didnt have to look and see if my signature was on it she knew right away I had created it. When she checked the signature sure enough it was one of my carvings. I didnt ship it there not sure how it got there. To me that was the greatest compliment I could have recieved. So I guess in answer to your question I guess I my carving style just came form within me. Good topic though I will be interested to see the response of the other carvers here.
Colin

[BasketballJones]

Is slow and frequently interrupted a carving style? :

[oldbearx2]

The best way is to just keep carving. Eventually it will come, and you'll notice it when you compare your stuff to someone else's.

[jamesfa]

i don't have a style i just carve and see what happens when i finish. if i am happy with the end result i will keep it if not it is just a small piece of fire wood.there are many carvers on this board that if shown a carving by them i would recognize without looking for their signature.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Oh Nooooo!!!