[Blake Lunsford]

I've decided to "dabble" in flat plane carvings, mostly for the same reasons others have stated. It doesn't take near as long to finish a complete carving, they are very unique, it doesn't take up a lot of wood, and most of the work can be done with a carving knife.

I was wondering, does anyone ever place flat plane carvings into competition? If so, how do they fair?? Are their separate catagories for flat plane carvings? Different rules?

My wife asked me if I was going to enter something in the upcoming show that we are attending, but I can't seem to break away from the flat plane people. I just wondered if anyone else has entered any of these into competition? What do you all think about having a separate catagory in show for flat plane? OR, do Flat Plane carvings fall into another catagory?

Needless to say, I may enter something into competition....don't expect to win....but enjoy going to the shows and carving with friends more than any ribbons you could ever win at any show. If you haven't attended a local show, you really should get out and meet some fellow woodcarvers.

I will be posting some of my flat plane carvings and some finished santas as soon as I get them painted. Since Gene has given us inspiration with his wonderful carvings, I just wondered what all of your thoughts were on this subject.

Blake

[tucker1931]

Blake, go for it. I'm new here as you know but flat plane is where my heart is, I'm almost finished one and will post as soon as I complete it. Having seen your work, I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with, good luck.
Cliff

[gene messer]

Blake .. my old friend .. you are dabbling in strange territory .. you are asking the carving community to believe that the world is really flat and not round ..

So good luck and go for it .. just kidding of course .. but get ready for what I have experienced for many years now by some who see this type of work ... " If you just round off a lttle more .. It will be just right " .... Or how come he looks so different ?.. Or "when are you gonna finish that ? I have heard them all .. I have been so fortunate with the people on this board being so kind to me .. They have been great about this way ..

Blake .. as much as I love flat plane .. and It has been around for many years .. it was started in Europen carvers and hasnt migrated very well to most american carvers yet .. Even Harley Refsal who teaches it in the U.S. admits that ... It's like the world is a white tuxedo and your a pair of brown shoes ... But thats ok .. because if you love it .. enjoy it ..

Believe it or not .. in all my many carving shows I have gone to ... You wont see many carvers who do flat plane .. so maybe your have better luck then I will seeing more ..

I believe there are only a few teachers beside Harley who teach it . but not many .. Most of the carving community like the style .. but dont take it up as the way to carve ..

Harley's classes are always full .. but most dont continue in it's way ..

As far as competition .. I have never seen a specific field for flat plane only .. but the decades are not over yet ..

Iam so happy your joining me in this quest for a chance to carve this way.. But even if there are only a few of us .. who knows? maybe someday were be right up there with the rest of them .. I can laugh about it all now ..

In the mean time .. Go for it ole friend

God Bless

Gene

[Anthony Filetti]

Blake,
Please enter them, I will probably be entering at least one and I'm sure there will be others...

[Kenny_S]

DO IT Blake. Never know till you enter one.
Don't get me wrong, I like looking at all types of carvings and trying to carve different styles, but I am not a flat plan carver. Tried ,but kept rounding off the corners.

[Bartster]

blake,

i agree with the others just go for it you never know if the clubs start seeinf alot of this type carving they may make a whole new category for them.


bart

[Blake Lunsford]

Great feedback you guys! I just thought it might be a good discussion to see what others think about flat plane in competition. I can see how some carvers would think that flat plane isn't up to par, but I think you can get just as much interesting detail in them as you do in a full sized caricature.

Any other thoughts!
Blake

[gene messer]

Amen Blake ... great discussion ole friend ..

Gene

[windsong]

The only way to carve Flat Plane!!!Go for it Blake you maybe suprised.
windsong