[xsailer]

Fellow carvers, which includes the ladies,
I've been between challanging carvings for a couple of months now and find it hard to finish the ones I've been playing with for a while. Just kind of loaf'n. I've come to the conclusion, at least for me, that I'm the type of person that needs a challenging, puzzle solving, kind of project. Whenever I've had the good fortune to be involved in one I can't seem to quit until I'm really pooped and I wake up early to get started again. I've always been jealous of artists that work day after day, all day and half the night on their projects. I think the reason must be they pick projects that are always pushing their personal envelope. So, I guess it's time to quit thinking small and start something "outside of the box", as they say. Well....got to go think of something new to start. Here-in lies the problem..........what's interesting and challenging?

Anybody else have this problem?

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Ever consider carving a "Flatop" lol thats a challenge

[xsailer]

Hi Ho, I've looked at them off and on several times also read several comments on the forum. It's on my list. Right now I've got a 7' long cypress limb given to me that I'm looking at. In fact carving off some blemishes.

[Canopener]

xsailer,
I feel your pain. I think many times it is so hard just to finish a project, for one reason or another; but the challenge is to follow through on your commitment. Easily said, but, sometimes hard to do. I do not know about you, but I am dogged by the old saying, "If it is worth doing, do it right"
Some projects I just scrap, move on, and make something else out of the wreckage. Voila, it worked after all.
One of the funniest things I can tell you, came from that show about those guys that build custom motorcycles. I think it is Orange county something, and the Father and Son always fight. I really do not like the show, but somehow become "glued to the tube".
The thing that I cannot erase from my mind is something the kid said, and that is, "The hardest part is to make each machine better than the last".
Wow!, what a challenge for anyone trying to create something new and unique, or to just do your best job.
Go get em tiger,
Jim

[Dan Wegiel]

I know exactly what you mean, get all excited about starting a new carving and then once its shaped in, start loosing interest in it. I have a carver friend who is the opposite, he likes the detail and hates getting it started. Just shows we're all different and need different things to trip our trigger.

Dan

[xsailer]

I'm with you Dan. I find the hardest part is getting started.

Canopener,
Side story, having been an aircraft designer my whole life, I was always taken back when my boss asked "how long will it take you"? A couple of times, when I felt like being a smart a-- I told him "Lets see, how long does it take to design an original concept that nobody has ever done before"? Like Son on OCC has said several times, "it gets done when it gets done".

Bob

[Marci MN]

Are you looking for a new challenge? If so.. carve a five way jointed wooden doll, about six inches tall. That will keep ya busy for a bit.

Wooden dolls are collectable. Pricey too.

They are something you can do different every time.. just to keep the interest with yourself going.

Good luck.

[Ron Davidson]

This is easy Bob. Carve the way I do that would be a new challenge wouldn't it. Remember the arbortech the other day!
Ron

[xsailer]

Ron,
Heck, I have enough trouble carvin in the light. Arbortech!!! I lost my breath and my socks dropped watching you do that.

Marci,
Can you provide a picture of a doll?

[mark yundt]

Outside the box is where it happens.