Please explain "stylized"

[jillsy]

Just wondering what exactly "stylized" means. I thought it meant just a representation of something. (like a folk art Santa isn't realistic, so it'd be called stylized). Is that right? It seems that I've been seeing it describe a variety of things.

Thanks

[AlArchie]

My definition is a carving that has the general appearance of a particular subject without all the defining details, yet with enough of the essence to be easily identified.

Fer instance, a dolphin with a narrow nose, several fins in the appropriate places, or perhaps just the suggestion of those fins, probably finished in natural wood stain and varnish.

A Santa with the suggestion of a tossled hat and beard, broad chest and belly, perhaps the hint of a belt and boots, and finished with no amount of painted detail.

Seagulls with just the pointed head and graceful wings, no feather or body definition.

Beyond that, stylized is just what it says, someone's interpretaion and application of their own "style".?????
Make Sense?

etc.

Al

[Donna_T]

Jill,
What Archie said is good. When I think of stylized, I think of flowing, smooth carvings with just a hint of detail--just enough that you can tell what the subject is. Hardwoods make beautiful stylized carvings because the woodgrain takes a more predominant value than the carved details.

Donna T

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Here's an example. A heron done in butternut with finish of clear Kiwi shoe polish. Need to dust it off I see.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Good example and good carving Ed! I call my dolphins stylized as well

[whitecree]

"Stylized" could also be taken to mean the essence of something, but not neccessarily true-to-life. 1st Nations art from the West coast is famous for this. Look at the picture here.


I took a more-or-less true to life figurine, and mounted it on a base with a stylized orca. The painted part on the base doesn't really resemble a (so-called) killer whale much at all. It is in the interpretation that you begin to see the whale.

Of course, you can take this sort of stylization too far, and then you are getting into abstract art.

[jillsy]

Got it! Thank you and I'm totally jealous of the carvings posted too!

[Tom-H]

It looks to me that for those who do "stylized" carving, sand paper is their friend. Tom H

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Why I pretty much stick to characitures xxx no sanding required or desired.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by Tom H

It looks to me that for those who do "stylized" carving, sand paper is their friend. Tom H

sandpaper, is no ones friend! CowboyStar Wars