Mountain man bust

[Dan C]

Here's a mountain man bust that I started last June at the International Woodcarvers Congress in Bettendorf IA. This started as a project in Vic Hood's week-long class, and it took me most of the summer to get it finished. I just took some pictures a month ago, and thought I'd post them. As you all can tell, my carving takes place at glacial speed!

The bust is from green butternut and is about 80% life-size. It was sealed with several coats of linseed oil/turpentine, followed by lacquer, and then with feed 'n wax. Some of you may remember some questions and discussions that went on back then regarding green wood getting moldy. I solved that problem by keeping the carving in the freezer while I wasn't carving on it.

I thought I'd post this now because the Congress is coming up again this June 14 to June 18, and this post may serve as a reminder to carvers. It's a great event.

Comments are always welcome.

Note to David Stehly - Nice to hear from you! You asked about the bust in my post in the Carving Wood and Materials section, so here are a few pictures. Are you and your wife going to the Congress again this year? I'll be there taking Neil Cox's week long class. Should be great! Hope to see you there.

Dan C.

[Magicman]

Dan thats one great carving, I've always wanted to attempt a Mountain Man but have'nt gotten the nerve yet.
Larry

[Curtscarving]

Diamonds are created slowly but what you get is a beautiful crystal. Yours might have been slow but the quality is your work is excellent,like this one alot.
Curt

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi Dan,
I don't think you should be taking classes, you should be giving them!!! Fantastic piece!

Dan

[SlowMover]

I am impressed. At 80% of life sized, that is huge!!! I would be scared to death of messing up on the finer details and ruining such a huge block of wood and such an immense commitment of time, my hat is off to you. An excellent carving, one to be very proud of.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Dan, that might have taken a while to carve but you did an AWESOME job, the detail is excellent!! Like Dan W. said you should be teaching classes. Thank you for sharing.

Dave

[DickB]

Dan, awesome carving! What expression. He's starin' right through ya. Great detail. Yes, you should be teaching.
DickB

[Merle Rice]

Hi Dan, Excellent Piece, like the detailing and finish. Merle

[Nomad]

Wonderful carving and some beautiful wood! Thanks for posting the photos.

[Claude]

Great carving, Dan! The detail in the face is truly awesome!

Claude