Self criticism..how would you most like to improve?

[Thor]

This is a question for all. How would you critique your own carvings or what would you most like to improve about your carvings at this stage?

My own answer is this:
I am pretty critical of my own work, and deem my carvings very "primitive". First, I have a real challenge in my design capabilities, and yet, I don't like to carve from patterns. I sometimes don't finish a carving because I know it just isn't working, and after leaving it alone for awhile, I can see that I didn't incorporate the very elements of design that I admire in favorite carvings of others.

Also, I am working on improving the finish on my carvings to a more pleasing and rich finish.

Thor

[Buckskin]

WOW! I need to improve in all areas. There are so many things I want to do, but I have not figured out how to get there. I just keep trying and fiddling. I try to make notes of what works and what does not.

[RUssL.]

I'd like to learn to end my "Works In Process".
I have issues about being able to walk away from any of my projects and call them "finished".

Maybe 1 in 20 projects-started has actually had some from of finish applied to it and not been held over for the possibility of just a bit more tinkering

I'd like to improve my ability to see a project as finished.
Seriously.

Russ

[arbarnhart]

I need to focus on details and I need to complete more projects. I tend to let them stall. I also look for shortcuts too often. I need to concentrate on mallet work hard wood relief as I have a number of projects planned that require that. I also have some that require chip carving, which I have been working on lately but I probably spend too much time whittling.

[rzpooch]

Of course I can improve in all areas. I think patience and attention to detail would be my top 2. Patience is tough for me, I want to get on with it and get it done. I like doing small stuff and the details make or break it (imho) Anyway, I've started working 12 hour days so patience is at a premium...lol
rz

[markken5889]

Great question! For me, I'd have to sy both patience and finding/making time to carve. They come together in that I don't always have alot of time to carve (2 jobs, stuff with the house, wife/family, etc), so when I get a project going I sometimes get too eager to get it done, and overlook something that later turns out to be a major mistake in the finished carving. "Oh look, that newly painted duck carving is really not symmetrical when you look at it THIS way..." Should've notced it when it was in the shaping process. Oh well, it's a process.

Mark

[Keoma]

Hmmm...methinks I need to not take on so much. So many things and I just try to finish a project. How to do that? I dunno. I have so many irons in the fire and so many I wanna do for me.
I would definately like to quit being so judgemental about my work. When other people rave, I see myself time and again standing there pointing out the flaws. I hate when I do that.
I would like to carve mouths, instead of lumps and a line through the midle
I like my rustic style.
I always wanted to make a very simple...folk art doll. you know, round head...dot eyes? simple simple. But I can't. Detail jumps out at me - I have the Ninja Detail ability! I cannot ignore even the smallest thing. Wish I could work on that.
Great thread Thor. I love seeing others have the same issues as me.

[arbarnhart]

Wow, we have a theme going. When I said I tend to look for shortcuts, it is pretty much for the same reasons Mark gave, except I have just one job (usually requires overtime, though). I think improved carving skills will come with time, if it's time well spent.

[TreeWizard]

Folds in clothing,and eyes in the smaller faced carvings, I just can't seem to get enough detail before the wood chips out.

[Don Yarger]

I would like to figure out a way to get more time with my carving tools in my hand. Further, I have never really done more than one of a carving (at least not very many). I really love to carve and I jump around from carving realistic(some might question this) to caricature to relief. I really feel like I would like to pursue carving gun stocks. Mountain Man rendezvous and history are a real interest to me. I guess I just need to focus in.

don