What would this be called?

[artsyfartsy]

Hello to all,

I fortunately found this site and hope you will help me out.

I am dying to try to carve/cutout/ make this piece....I saw it on TV. I loved it. But I don't know what it would be considered. I will try to describe it and hope you can lead me in the right direction.

It was branches and leaves. In a rectangle shape, with a frame around it. The negative space between the leaves/branches were cut out. You could see through to the wall behind. Then the leaves and twigs were sparingly carved a bit (what I would say is relief carving). So when you combine the two, is there a proper name for it? Or just relief carving on a cutout?? or???

For over 6 years this project lingers in my mind. I can't get it out, so I just need to get going and try it. I have a dremel..... And the desire.... now, how do I track down information on doing this? Do I stick with books on relief carving? I can draw the pattern, that is not an issue. But what type of wood,etc. are things I just don't know. The carving was very minimal and that is how I want it too. The beauty of the piece was the pattern against the cutout negative space (the wall behing). Much like the iron gate work you see or the decorative grates used on walls... it was just that this was wood.

Thank you in advance for any information/help.

[Ron T]

Hello Artsy,

Welcome! I'm glad you found the site. It's a great group with lots of wonderful members.

What you are describing sound to me like a pierced carving. In a flat panel like you're describing, a relief carving would be "pierced" to remove the negative space allowing light to shine through.

I hope this helps.

[artsyfartsy]

Wow, thanks for the quick reply. Pierced. Yes, that does sound just right.
Off I go to research pierced woodworking.

thanks a million.

[chuckt]

I believe the correct term for this would be "pierced relief". It sounds like a deep pierced relief carving. Do you have any photos - or have you seen anything similar that you can use as a reference?You might try doing a Google search on the term "pierced relief" to see if you can find images that come close to what you're looking for.

As for wood - you'll probably want to use either basswood or butternut. For basswood you can look online for Heinecke Wood Products. They have great wood and are reasonably priced. Not sure about a source for Butternut. Yes - you should look through books on relief carving. Not sure if there are any that specifically address pierced relief.

Hope this helps! I'm sure others will pipe up too with more thoughts. Good luck. Sounds like a cool project and if you post pics in progress you'll get lot's of help from folks here.

[Doh - looks like RonT beat me to the punch.]

ChuckT

[artsyfartsy]

Thanks everyone. I did find a picture. For some reason it would not allow me to copy and paste it. From a gate. Much more ornate than I intend and way to thick, but very much the idea of it. Instead of iron, they used wood.

I suspect I will be way over my head. What's new, lol. I have never carved wood.

I tried to think of a way to cheat. Maybe use a product like "Wood Icing" (probably a cuss word here, lol) with stencil. Stencil the leaves/brances on a piece of wood. A two layer stencil would give me dimension, then cut it out. But I know it wouldn't look the same. Besides, I kinda like the idea of carving on wood. I love trying things I haven't done before. By golly, I'm gonna order some wood. Yes I am.

[artsyfartsy]

uh oh, the carved/framed piece I saw was like the size of a painting. Framed up to go on the wall like a picture. I see that the basswood only comes in lumber type width. Can you carve on mdf? I know, I know... but maybe you can? Although that stuff is so dang heavy. How about the masonite? My hubby has put router edges on masonite for my paintings....would that work? Well, nothing worth while is ever simple.

[artsyfartsy]

Wow and Wow. I went to find Gene Messer on You Tube. Never found him but I found Scott McNeill. Good Grief. That is some talent. Amazing.
And he uses bigger pieces too. So it worked out I found his video. He uses Linden..... whatever that is. So I'll check that out. Although he uses hand tools. Who knows, maybe I'll try hand tools. The sky is the limit.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Sounds like a scrollsawn work with a little carving on the front edges? Might look up some scrollsawn catalogs for patterns..

[Sharon of the Dell]

Hi, artsyfartsy, like your name! You go for it girl! That's the best way,just jump in and do it! Be safe though...nice to meet you,.....sharon

[artsyfartsy]

Thanks Hi Ho, I am actually going to draw my own design. Hello Sharon, thanks for the welcome. Thanks to everyone really. I'm sure I'll be back..... this is going to be interesting to do. I am going to order a book or video to learn the correct bits or tools, depending how I decide to go.
I ordered the wood from Heinecke. 18/24 basswood. 1 inch thick. Phew. Now I gotta get er done. I love trying new things. I may not continue with them for long, but I love the experience of trying new creative outlets. I would seriously love love love to get into the stained concrete with modellos and all that. Gorgeous stuff.

Thanks again for the information.