Why do some carvers add bases?

[jillsy]

Hi All,

Jillsy here with a question about adding bases to the bottom of carvings.

Outside someone adding a base because there are lots of parts (like someone who carved a scene), what is the reason(s) for adding a base? Is it just a personal preference?

Sometimes the bases add to the carving, while at other times, they seem to restrict it. Example, if someone carved me a polar bear, I'd love to put it on the mantle where I have fake snow. But if the polar bear was stuck to a base, it'd really limit me to where the bear could be placed. It just seems like you have more options without the base.

Any opinions on this? I struggle with it because sometimes, as I said, the base really adds to the look as well.

[Dan S]

I think a base is a nice option. I carved a scene and without a base I would have been up the creek. In other carvings I've left them off. They do give you a nice place to mount a name plaque for your work...
If you are gong to use a base, use it to enhance what you have done. There are any number of creative ideas.

Dan

[xsailer]

One reason for bases is if entering competition judges, will in most cases, count off if the carving is not on a base.

[doris]

i think, often a base is done to strengthen the piece, in particular when the base is carved together with the piece from the wood, as fred does for example,,,when you carve a horse with thin legs, and carve it with base, you do not risk that much that the legs break off while carving. it addmittedly hinders you to carve some places, but if adds strength... yes, i see your polar bear example, in that case, strength of legs is not a question, and i would decide against a base if i had the idea to display it as you suggested. ...
i think it is good to decide about "base or not base" before starting the carving, as it is a part of the design. a base needs be subordinate to not pull attention, and yet it should be nice looking and not boring, to add to the piece... you can ask yourself then several questions to decide these problems, like "where do i want display it?", "will a base add stability?", "can i make a base suggesting a surrounding for my polar bear, like say a big ice piece on which he is standing?" and so on,,, doing bases only as an afterthought is problematic,,,i have done so too, lol, and found it more than difficult to make the good decision.

[Dileon]

Wow what a complex question!! smile... Base or no base... Some carvings require a base to be sturdy or if a carving is off balance such a polar bear with a big fish in his mouth....he would be head heavy and would tip over. A carving that stands firmly does not need additional support. A free standing carving are best on those that have no base and can be picked up, turn in hands and can be viewed by that way. I think carvings are better with a base that helps it from being knocked over easily and broken. In art a base must work together with the carving to form one piece and not look like it was just stuck on a piece of wood. You make the a base that will improve your carving instead of taking away from it. It is said although...that a base is another skill that needs to be learned...so much so that some people let a professional in base making put on a base or let the person buying it put on their own personal choice. I believe a good carved base can make a good carving into an awesome one if you take time to learn good bases from bad ones. You can learn that from looking at bases you like vs. ones that just do nothing for the carving. A base must fit your carving and your concept of it....in other words I rather see your polar bear on a carved ice ledge or something to that effect...but that is just me....Di whom has never seen a polar bear but on TV.

[urbansheepdog]

That's an interesting one Jillsy! My two latest figures I've mounted on bases, essentially for stability really! My wee figures are only just over 3" tall with feet just over 1" long so they are pretty well planted. My latest two are 6" tall with 1-1/2" feet....... you just know that at some point they will topple or get knocked over and maybe get damaged if it falls of the mantle etc so a base was really a must. Whether you fit it in with the figure or make it out of some really nice wood is another question. Bit like do you frame a picture or not? ...... what size.........mount or not........... what material?
I must admit, now I've done a couple with bases, I'll probaly stick with it. It sort of gives the piece a finished look IMHO. 'Horses for courses I guess!'

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Why do you frame a picture?

[schizoidlogger]

To keep it from falling over? Why is the sky blue?

[xsailer]

All answers are good ones but what Lynn said (#7) is a short good question and comment.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Also personal preference, but it is true, some carvings look better with a base then without.

Dave