Has anyone ever carved Moses?

[jillsy]

Lately, I've been itching to carve Moses and Noah. I already have an idea for Noah, but not sure how I'd carve Moses.

My problem is trying to figure out how he'd hold the 10 Commandments. I'd like to do it all in one piece too. I usually carve folk-art style, which allows for more of rustic look without needing to be exact with proportions.

[Eric S.]

I have never carved moses but I can't wait to see your version!! Keep us posted. I am very interested.

[TreeWizard]

Some years ago I saw the movie poster for the Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston clutching the tablets to his chest. You can use google images and fing over 10 pages of moses images, several show him clutching the tablets.

If I knew how to attach a link I'd give it to you.

[jillsy]

Thanks, yes, I've been googling images for ideas and inspiration. I guess my problem is that I'm only seeing the front view so am having trouble visualizing how his arms would hold the tablets from all sides.

I always have trouble "seeing" the details in my own mind's eye. That's why I usually wind up researching something to death before I try carving (unless there's already a pattern out there!)

[Smee]

I just carved one of the '5 minute' wizards last night, only I put a turbin on him. Any hillbilly carving with a beard can be made into a bible patriarch.

[sludgeguy]

Hi Jillsy,

Can't wait to see your rendition.
Here's kinda what I envision when I think Moses.

Make sure to share your progress,
Doug

[carver33]

You state that you have trouble visualizing how side and back views will look based on the front view.

A trick that I used was picking up a cheap bathroom door mirror. I would pose and look at the reflection to see how that pose would look from other angles. An additional hand held mirror lets you see back views.

Bill (Aiken, SC)

[jillsy]

Excellent ideas!

I think I'm going to make Ted pose for me tonight in a blanket holding 2 manila folders!

For some reason, I also picture Moses to be tall and stately, while Noah much shorter and stockier.

Maybe I can even do an exaggerated version of a very tall, thin Moses? Maybe. So many times when I want to try a new look though, I'm usually not as satisfied as my typical style. Don't know if that's being stuck in a rut or that's just the way I like it!

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions.

[DADDIO]

jillsy i can't wait to see what you do with this idea,i know it;ll be great and can't wait to see the paint work. you'll do good i know you will!!

[TreeWizard]

With all that wandering in the desert, he couldn't be anything but tall and thin. I doubt manna fattened anyone up much.