Sycamore Mask with Cherry Hair

[foundwood]

Well, here is the result of at least 60 hours of my time over the last month. This is my third mask and 8th finished piece since I started carving in January of this year.

I had no idea that I would learn so much in a short period of time, but the key to rapid progress was due to using the Flexcut power carving system. Not so much the power carver and chisels, but the rotary handpiece. The ability to use 1/4" diameter shaft carbide burs and large sanding drums expedited the work. The hair strands were cut-in using three different sizes of v-edge gouges.

The sycamore mask was done first, with the exception of the eyes. The cherry hairpiece was done as an entirely different carving. The eyes were the final step. One coat of Deft Sand/Sealer spray and three layers of Deft Clear Satin finished it off.

This life-sized jewel is now hanging on my office wall...

[Colin-Partridge]

Absolutly remarkable carving and to think this is your first year carving. That is a work of art you should be extreamly proud of displaying that piece.
ColinThumbs Up

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

excellent job on the mask? amazing you are so new at carving do do that well! Guess you found your niche! Now branch out and see what else you excel in ha ha...Cowboy

[Kenny_S]

I like the way the hair flows over the mask.
Yes, It is an excellent carving.

[foundwood]

I just carve what I am comfortable doing. I lack the experience to carve the detailed woodspirits and accurate wildlife pieces that so many of you produce. Faces and hair seem to be my comfort zone at this point. I did some abstract Bonsai, and a crumbling tower. I am going to take a little time to research the next piece, and enjoy that part of the process a little more.

[Thor]

WOW!
The way you carved vein-like segments in the hair hints at leaves to me and with the color being so similar, the boy looks very much like a wood elf. Lovely, smooth surface and finish on the face compliments it all so well. I'm so impressed with your first year's efforts! Great job.
Thor

[Tom-H]

That's a fine piece of sculpture you produced. Thank you for sharing. Tom H

[foundwood]

I have to admit that I was influenced on the hair by a lot of the work that I see you folks doing on this website. The eyes are a 90% copy of Norbury, but mine are actually a little more curved on the outside of the lenses to add more shadow: tough to keep it from feathering at the edges, though. Here is a better look at the hairpiece, Thor.

[chipper67]

Foundwood,

Your mask carving is wonderful. It looks like you have been carving for years, but it's only been about a half of one. Just amazing. Chipper67

[Coffeeman]

Excellant piece, love the combination of the two woods, great overall look....Bill