Birch Man

woodtrapper · #1 04-14-2007, 10:36 PM

I recently finished this piece of birch.I have seen Irishman carve a lot of birch so I thought I would take a stab at it.It was a little wet when I started but enjoyed it all the way.As you can see it not in porportion but none of my carvings are.Anyway,I have not posted anything in a while I welcome your comments.Thanks,Davy

gene messer · #2 04-14-2007, 10:42 PM

Nice piece Woodtrapper .. Like the expression .. Good job ..

Banjo · #3 04-15-2007, 06:36 AM

Really nice detail! I like it! ~ Joy

Thor · #4 04-15-2007, 07:49 AM

Very interesting face. He looks like a charactor in an animated movie to me.
Wonderful expression, with smooth lines.
Thanks for showing it to us.
Thor

Irishman · #5 04-15-2007, 08:10 AM

Hey Davy! How'd you like working with birch. Different texture than the basswood many use on the site but it absorbes oil really well. Someone once said on one of my post that they could tell who's carving it was from the style of carving...and think the same holds true for yourself. I recognize your carvings from the way you form your cheek bones and you have your own unique way of doing your eyes as well.
Your birch carving turned out very well. I noticed that the features are standing out stronger each time you carve a face. I'm presently carving a birch woodspirit as we speak. Been carving Greenland paddles for the last month so I have to get back to my regular carving. Keep up the good work.
Patrick

tnartist05 · #6 04-15-2007, 09:48 AM

I agree with Irishman!! Your style of carving Davy is really unique!!! Thanks for sharing the birch carving with us! Keep up the good work!! ur-olde carving-bud~~~ Forrest

whitecree · #7 04-15-2007, 10:54 AM

So it isn't in exact proportion, so what? It looks really good. If you must, call it a caricature, but perfection only exists in the minds of not very imaginative people. After all, if the Creator didn't make you perfect, how do you fou figure you can create prefection?

I repeat, looks good!

BigDeal52 · #8 04-15-2007, 07:34 PM

Good job.
Like they say "life is a birch"

woodtrapper · #9 04-15-2007, 08:17 PM

I have not posted anything in a while butI do appreciate all of your comments.I really do mean it.I would take constructive criticism as well.Even though this is a hobby I hope to get better as time passes.As for the birch carving, my mom said I should try to carve a duplicate and put a glass enclosed candles on top.I do see why Patrick carves birch because it is not hard and not soft.I have only played around with basswood but never carved anything out of it.The birch seems some what porus and soaks up stain and sealer.I would imagine the basswood carvers out there also have to apply several coats as well.I do like taking on larger projects and will have to probably get advice on how to seal certain woods.Anyway, here it is the middle of april and getting another snow dump.Thanks again.Davy

Eddy Smiles · #10 04-15-2007, 08:46 PM

Davy...

That is really nice work. I'm not familiar with Birch as a carving medium. I remember White Birch in the woods of New Enland when I was a kid. Is this the same kind of Birch that you're using?

TNArtist05... Are there any species of Birch in the mountains of East and SE Tenn? I'm probably showing my ignorance but I've never run across any and can't remember anyone ever talking about it. If so, are they found in the higher or lower elevations?