Cottonwood Bark Spirit

[Mottles]

Cottonwood Spirit 23" Tall, 5" Across at the face and 2" Thick

Inspired by the Spring issue of WCI magazine 'Mark Gargac's Cottonwood Spirit.' Thanks Mark!

This was my first experience carving Cottonwood Bark I have carved Cottonwood Limb, but this was a whole new experience. I did run into some problems with flaking away in area's I didn't want that to happen. It was a constant exercise in adjusting eyes and nose when a chip would fall away after a cut. The nose actually started bigger it would flake and chip away on one side, so I'd have to adjust the other side.

After all this complaining I'd carve Cottonwood Bark again in a minute. I love the way my knife and gouges sliced threw the wood with ease. I love the rich red/brown color and leaving areas of gray bark unfinished.

For the finish I used Watco Neutal Finishing Wax, buffed with a horse hair shoe brush. It will be a wall piece in my home.

As always I appreciate hearing from you and your comments for improvement.
Kathy

[JimSawyer]

Awesome job Kathy. He's got a real presence.

[Merle Rice]

Kathy you have just blown me away. You get a great big WOW. The improvement that you have made in the last year is AMAZING. Keep going girl. Merle.

[Pracuss]

Hay, I think I know that guy. Welcome to the wonderful World of cottonwood bark. A very nice job on this one. Hope to see more bark carvings.


Dennis

[xsailer]

I like it a lot especially the highlight coming from those dark dark eyes. Really good look.

[Lonewolfcarver]

Nice job Kathy.

[Irishman]

Gotta get me some of that cotton wood bark. I was also inspired by Mark's carving on the magazine...problem is, there is no cotton wood bark sold around my parts. Your turned out very well Kathy - understand why you would want to keep it for your own wall.
Patrick

[Iowa Carver]

Fantastic job Kathy, this type of carving is your cup of tea with these spirits and elves etc. Nice work!

Corey

[Mottles]

Jim, Merle, Dennis, Bob, Shawn, Patrick
Thank you all guys, I really appreciate you dropping by to look and comment on my Cottonwood Bark Spirit.
Patrick, Chipping Away sells Cottonwood Bark Chipping Away Dedicated to Wood Carvers The Cottonwood Bark I used for my carving is from Colorado--a fellow carver brought some back last July to share with our club members.
We have Cottonwood Bark in a wash near my home that I want to collect and try. It doesn't appear to be as thick so not sure it will work. Worth a try anyway.
Dennis, I looked at your Carvers Gallery and you do a lot of work with Bark, nice work too. I want to carve one of those little houses.

Thanks again everyone,
Kathy

[Claude]

Nice work, Kathy!

Claude