[Anthony Filetti]

OK Folks, I think I am going nuts. I've been working hard to carve from my own designs but I am finding that sometimes I'm not carving my projects due to indecision. As a current example, I have been working on a gladiator, and for the last week I haven't carved on him as I can't decide on some finishing touches. I molded this design in clay, drew it all out, have carved it to the rough stage and I am almost complete putting in the detail but I just can't decide how or where I want to put some of the detail. This carving is for a competition so I really want it to balance out well.

Soooo, I would be interested in hearing how you deal with these type of situations as it seems I'm gonna drive myself nuts...all opinions welcome...thanks.

[Canopener]

Tony,
Hope it makes you feel better, as I am also plagued by this problem especially with eyes and other critcal body parts, kind of why I am on computer now. I am terrible about fiddling around and getting sidetracked until I have a firm image in my mind, this usually takes over night. A lot of times I completely change my original idea or just get it tweaked right.
I really wish I could be like some carvers that seem to be able to complete a carving in one sitting, but have made major mistakes in the past, but getting better.
I carve caricatures basicly of my design or combo of others, usually not exact copy.
Hang in there, better safe than sorry.
Jim

[wood-whittler]

tony,

i have had this problem myself i have found that it is best to let the peice sit and just study it for a few days, might even try drawing some of the detail on and looking at that for a day or so making changes that dont look right or what have you.the one thing you dont want to do is rush it cause more than likely if you rush it you wont be satisfied with it. good luck and show us some pics soon,

bart

[squbrigg]

Take your time! Sketch out your ideas before you go further. Do a few sketches of the carving, "as is", and then sketch over each one the various ways you have been considering the details. Don't rush it, study it. You made the first right step by asking for advice, even if you don't use it, it will give you time to consider all the options.

Bob

[snickerbocker]

Hey Tony,
All of the above.

[Ron Davidson]

Tony I know you guys think I am nuts for always bringing this idea up but it may be worth a try. Take a quiet moment and sit with this gladiator in your hands with your eyes closed and try and feel what certain details would feel like on the carving. Try and feel with your fingers and build a mental picture of it. This is what I have to do on all my carvings. You don't have anything to loose. Also do like Bob said and draw different designs on a sketch or two but being I can't see this is my method. Now you can call me a nut!

[mdallensr]

If it doesn't look right, it probably isn't. But you may be closer than you think. I get stuck, mostly on animals, but if I can keep going, I usually a hit a "ahah!" point where it all comes together, I can "see" it, and then it takes nothing to finish. Don't quit. Mike

[Kenny_S]

Tony, Tony Tony, Indecision is an every day occurance to me on caving. Usually it is just after I decide to go one way and then start second guessing myself. I say,Study the piece for a while or draw out each way and see which one you like.

[Just Carving]

Yep, happens all the time. It's usually not what I want to do, but how do I want to go about it or what's my next step. Probably, more than anything, I'm just afraid to take the next step because I don't want to make a mistake--usually, a needless worry because even if I do goof up, I find my way out of it. Worse comes to worse, I toss it and start over. So, my course of action is to procrastinate, put it on the back burner, and work on something else. I'll end up picking it up on another day without even thinking about it and start carving. Next thing I know, I'm done--or at least well on my way. So, my suggestion, don't think, just carve.

[Blinky Bill]

Tony,
for what it's worth, my method is to live with the carving.....place it on the dresser so you can see it from bed...last thing at night by artificial light...first thing in the morning by natural light, and you'll see it from a different angle (lying in bed) on the table while you eat, even in the bathroom while you "SHAVE" <grin>......I find that at some stage, angle/lighting/point of view...things will click and you will know just what you need to do....of course you can also work on other projects while doing the above...it all helps. Good Luck (and please let us see the finished item)
John