Illusions in Woodcarving

Anthony Filetti · #1 04-28-2005, 12:18 PM

As i sit here and brainstorm I am encountering a problem where I would like to design a carving that uses the illusion of mid-air suspension. To better explain this, I am trying to design a carving where the figures are standing on a platform several stories in the air and in my carving I would like to represent that feeling.
I know that suspension is used when placing fish or bird carving in a scene, but I am going to be using human figures and I want it to feel like they (and the platform) are really up in the air.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to accomplish this? Any comments at all would be of help!

Thanks,
Tony

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 04-28-2005, 01:27 PM

how about mounting on clear glass rod or plate?

Anthony Filetti · #3 04-28-2005, 02:31 PM

Dave,

What I'm thinking of doing is having a city skyline for a backdrop that would form the base (not sure yet). Hadn't thought of using a clear rod, great idea!!!
What type of glue would you use with a brass or plexi rod? epoxy?

BTW, I have to stop picking on you about #1, since mine is on the way(grin).

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 04-28-2005, 03:24 PM

ummm several I can think of....silicon, polyurethane, cyanoacrylate? I would probably try them all on scrap and see what happens. ( I have looked at polyurethane and changed it about 4 times and it still doesn't look right...ever have a mental block on spelling?)

Anthony Filetti · #5 04-28-2005, 04:30 PM

...ya think! Spelled Wednesday as Wednsday for several year...(LOL!)

Just Carving · #6 04-28-2005, 09:23 PM

Try using Elmer's Ultimate Glue. It's polyurethane and water reactive. Curing requires moisture. Since you're gluing a non-porous to a porous surface, you moisten one surface, apply glue other surface and bond. I have used this stuff to glue a red oak handle to stainless steel, and it worked great. It expands as it dries, so you will have oozing. So just sand and it should be okay. It says that it can be painted or stained. I can't vouch for that==I haven't had the opportunity to try.

Bob

GeorgiaFred · #7 05-02-2005, 10:46 PM

What ever you decide to do please post a picture of it! I am very interested in seeing your answer to the problem.
I really hope you decide to stick to wood and not resort to plastic!
Good luck!
GaFred

rick-in-seattle · #8 05-03-2005, 05:41 AM

I can't believe, that with all the answers to this post, nobody mentioned a "Skyhook" as the obvious answer.

Anthony Filetti · #9 05-03-2005, 08:45 AM

OK Rick, I'll bite...Skyhook??

GaFred, I'll post the works when it is completed. right now it's in the planning stages...never hurts to think ahead...

AlArchie · #10 05-03-2005, 08:51 AM

A skyhook is what they tie the shoreline too, when hanging the keys to the oarlocks.

Al