Doing the right thing .......Take #2

[Soggy]

Like most members here on the forum, whenever I post pictures of my finished projects I ask for any suggestions, critisims, or other ways to improve the carving. And as most of you know we all get lots of "Wows!.......Great!,.........Fantastics!...etc . Very seldom will anyone offer constructive critisim. Last time it was a bit different. One member did offer a suggestion as to how I could have improved the scene.
Carver 33 looked, said it was good but............he then went on to offer his opinion as to how I could make it even better.
I took his advice and reworked the base, and replaced the stump with a piano (much more approiate for an indoor scene ) and now I'm much happier with the end results.
Thank you Bill............
Soggy

[Dave Richardson]

Good choice, it changes the whole scene. I really like the piany !
and dito's on the suggestions, critisims and ways to improve a carving.
Dave

[chpster90bu]

I missed the 1st one, Soggy, but I sure like the scene....the piano fits and I like the way you carved it. they arn't easy. Nice overall effect. Bonnie

[Larry Bev]

Soggy saw carving before changes thought it was great, now it is even better.Is that a cat or big rat under pianee.

Larry

[Soggy]

Originally Posted by Larry Bev

Soggy Is that a cat or big rat under pianee.

Larry

We're really not sure just what that is...........

[Curtscarving]

Soggy
Liked the first one but the floor did bring it together. Not a fancy Wedding I think they were in hurry.

[kdispoto]

Soggy

Comment 1:

In your original post I did not see your request for comments initially, so I did not offer any. Looking back it appears you added this request later on.

For me critiquing someone’s else’s work on this forum is and will always be a sensitive area. I wrote a similar explanation in a another thread and pretty much holds true here.

Carvings come in all shapes, sizes, styles, subjects and degree of difficulty. Without knowing your ultimate goal (intent) with the carving my comments are usually selected to encourage further carving.

I am not familiar with your entire carving history so I don't feel it's appropriate to compare your ability to my own or others.

Now, if you ask a specific question (i.e. how can I make the nose more...?) I am sure the answers you get here would be more useful to you.

I believe people will be more comfortable to answer questions rather that to suggest a change of a artist approach to a piece.

Comment 2

In my opinion the scene is still a bit sparse. This is a good story to add a whole bunch of extras. Perhaps adding a podium next to the preacher with a jug of moonshine hidden in it might be something to consider?

[carver33]

First: This goes a long way toward bringing the scene together, and I absolutely love the little critter under the piano. I also like Ken's suggestion about the podium and jug of 'shine.

Second: I do think that there is often too much gratuitous praise and not enough constructive criticism (and I emphasize the word constructive). When I see a piece that I like, but think there could be improvements, I try to point it out in hopes that the carver will take this piece or the next to a higher level. This is especially true of the newer carvers - those of us who have been carving for a while generally see things that could have been better when we've finished (sigh), but even then, a little constructive criticism couldn't hurt.

Like the man said "I don't know anything about art, but I know what I like".

[SlowMover]

I occasionally offer a bit of critisism when it is asked for, usually about things like scale or composition, I never critisise the actual carving...just the composition. Every time I hit the send button on such a comment, I start to hold my breath and get a bad feeling in my stomach that the person to whom I offer ideas will get offended/mad/hurt/etc. So far it doesn't seem to have happened, and I will continue to offer the occasional suggestion when it is asked for...but with trepidation. I hope that all here will take sugestions in the spirit they are give...as helpful ideas.

I saw the before of this scene, and I too think it is better composed with the change. A podium would look good, but I would say don't clutter it up to the point of detracting from the message of the scene. This base has space for several embelishments before crowding the main scene, so a couple more "wedding accessories" would fit in nicely.

It was a great carving before, and is great still. Congratulations.

[Soggy]

Hmmmmmmmm;........ a podium and a jug . Sounds good to me. Stay tuned , I may have some additions by this evening.
Soggy