Wood carving class

[gtech]

Yesterday, it was my first carving class day and I already learned a lot. So I thought I could give a little info about it and post a few pictures when possible.

What I had to do first is carve a half sphere in the center of a flat surface to learn how to work with the grain of the wood. I should have done it before, it really helps.

I will add a photo next week because I forgot to take the practice piece with me to take a photo. Well... that is if someone is interested of course...

For now, here is how the project is started.



Gilles

[Donsexton]

Good for you, I would like to see a picture of your class work. I have always wanted to take a carving class just never made the time. I will enjoy sharing in your progression in your class thank you for posting.

[Dicky]

Hi Gilles, you are lucky. My mentor made me carve the whole sphere. But it sure exposes you to every grain pattern the wood can throw at you.

[DMH1112]

Who is your teacher?

[gtech]

The teacher is Claude Tardif and the school is La Maison des métiers d'arts : Courses in sculpture, textile design, ceramic in Quebec city.

As I retired 3 months ago, I NOW have time for this

When the half sphere is finished, the next project will be to carve a round hole on the other side of the same piece. The teacher says that he will evaluate us with that double project, convex and concave forms, and will see what we can do and how we do it.

But next week, we will first learn how to sharpen our gouges.

Well ok, I will post more to show the progression.

Gilles

[feb]

Very interesting, I'll be waiting for more. thanks for sharing.


Feb

[gtech]

I think it should be fun and could help beginners who are looking for learning pieces.

Btw, I was wearing my gloves and all the other students except one, who already had theirs, asked me where I bought my gloves and will buy some for the next class. One of them even had 2 stitches on a finger from a bad move 2 weeks earlier. She's one of the only 2 women who had a little experience from a precedent class, the other one being the one with the gloves.

See you next tuesday. I will take a photo of the finished carving.

Added: For now, here are the steps.



You begin by making a cylinder as on the left, and then you carve the half sphere as on the right.

And here are the 4 directions to follow with the gouge.



You can also go across the grain (sideway) where it is possible, like at the start of the arrows. Then, you must always carve either across or with the grain of the wood, never against the grain.

Gilles

[gtech]

Yesterday was my 2nd time at the carving class, and after learning how to sharpen and hone our tools, I began to clean my first carving. It is 98% finished I would say.

The goal for yesterday was to make a carving as smooth as possible WITHOUT any sanding paper...

I already feel like I know more than 2 weeks ago, and I still have 8 more weeks to go. I LOVE IT...

Here is the half-sphere. It is 5"x5"x3.5"



Thanks for looking,

Gilles

[Tom Ellis]

Nice job Gilles, You are getting some good instruction right off the bat. Most of us have to learn the wrong way first, then learn how to correct it.

Tom

[Dicky]

Your instructor certainly has some excellent teaching techniques. Please keep posting. I still like the carvings I purchased many years ago in St. Jean Port-Joli.