Symmetry

[Ripton]

I have read a few prior posts on symmetry and wonder. (Yes I also have achallenge with this, with faces and even spoons)

Is this something that can be learned or an artistic talent we're born with. If it can be learned, I can take classes and practice more, if inborn, then I can change my carving style.

I'd be glad to post some photos when I can get my hands on the camera... lol

thanks

[pinefeathers]

Having taught many bird carving classes, I know that symmetry is one of the most difficult things to grasp. The approach to symmetry varies for different people. One approach I often use after visually checking is to close my eyes and feel the difference of the opposite sides. This I learned from a blind carver.

[mdallensr]

There are some basics:
1. Put centerlines on your blank and keep replacing them as you carve;
2. Use clear, flexible rules to measure dimensions as you carve;
3. Hold up your carving to a good light and sight along the centerline, then turn it around, sight again, then turn it upside down and sight again. You'll note that shadows and wood grain can be deceptive when viewing your carving for symmetry.
4. Ask someone else to check it.

Good luck. Mike

[brent]

Another idea that might help.....don't always look at a piece straight-on. Turn it around and look down at it from the top. You can really pick up mistakes this way.

[Dileon]

you learn from making mistakes, and you learn from others....there is no such thing as natural talent we all had to learn to ride a bike, and anyone can learn to carve....it is matter of just keep going.....and not quitting.

[Mitchell]

Not really symmetry directly, but a great resource to 'see' things differently and to develop drawing skills is the book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Dr. Betty Edwards.

It relates to your question as it provides a different technique for learning how we see things and then translate that into art. While it deals with drawing and not carving, it can be helpful.

[Just Carving]

All else fails, get in the habit of using a small ruler and measure from a common point at the piece to symmetrical points. If you have a pair of dividers, it goes much quicker.

Bob L

[Buffalo Bif]

I have a relaxed attitude on symmetry, while I try to get my rudimentary eyes at the same level and same size (although I admire Picasso, who seems to have been even more relaxed) I don't worry about it too much. I will flip the piece and repeat cuts on the opposite side- left side of head, right side, left front leg, right front leg- to try to keep things fairly even. I think the tactile approcah mentioned by Pinefeathers is a good tip, I was surprsed how sensitive fingers can be. My whittlings are crude, my style is somewhat impressionistic, so I can get away with that (in my opinion)
BfloBif
blog at www.bflobif.com

[bob easton]

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