[Lynn O. Doughty]

There are several threads active about whether certain socalled deviations in woodcarving should be accepted. One is just what exactly is the meaning of "Handcarved". Another is whether or not its kosher to attach something to carving. There's probably a few others but these two will suffice to help get my point across. And while some might take offense to my thoughts on the matter I certainly don't mean it that way. Anyway, here's how I look at the matter:

I honestly think these problems arise from woodcarver(s) who are really not that secure in his methods or his work to the point that he cannot accept the efforts and technics of others that might be different from what he's doing. They learned to do it a certain way, became recognized for doing it that way so anything else is blasphemy. I think they may actually feel threatened when someone comes along with a new method that produces a better result than they can accomplish by their narrow interpretation of what they think is acceptable. I bump up against this mindset constantly being as I attach items to my carvings and even use different methods to manipulate a block of wood to allow for the effect I'm after. Some have even told me that my efforts in the carving world would be advanced if only I would stop doing the things that I do.

One of the things that I think makes a good woodcarver is that he or she remains openminded to all forms of carving no matter what method might be used. To me the important thing to strive for is to develope your own style and to become comfortable and secure with what you're doing. Once you do that then the pronouncements of those who may consider themselves above the rest of us will mean nothing.

[Tom H]

Well said Lynn, and Thanks!

Tom H

[Dan Wegiel]

Very well said!

Dan

[gene messer]

I agree Lynn .. well said .. To the me the finished product is the the main subject .. How a person gets to that finish is up to them ..

We can certainly learn so much from each other ..

Gene

[chuckt]

Interesting post Lynn. Sure to create some smoke and possibly ignite a flame or two. Heh heh . . . stirring up the pot always brings something interesting to the top eh?

Well - here's my take on things. You've raised some things that really need to be addressed in general terms but also with specific answers. (The devil is in the details they say.)

On the one hand I agree with you in general terms. Whatever it takes to get a job done for a particular individual is fair game I suppose. If it goes against convention - so what?

But then you get into some more specific qualifiers to my answer.

1. If it WORKS WELL ...
Here is where you'll often get into shootouts over technique. Whether its carving, painting, sharpening, etc. What is the traditional method? The time tested method? The professional method? etc. There is a reason why "rules" or standard operating procedures develop. They typically work and work well. It is human nature to both - follow the rules AND to try things outside the rules. It is also human nature to fight change. So the squabble can begin.

2. If it is SAFE ...
Hand held vs. work piece secured and both hands on the tool. Which way should the grinder wheel rotate? There seem to be certain practices that are taught dogmatically to new carvers - and in some ways for good reason. To prevent injury whether minor or serious. Does that mean an experienced carver can't break the rules successfully and maybe get a better result? No - but in general it's a good idea to follow the rules. Unless you KNOW for certain what you're doing and know how to break the rule and still avoid injury.

However, the two examples you cite are a little different. They have more to do with truth in marketing and comparison's between carvings and skill levels (competition).

Handcarved debate occurs because the general public (and carvers too) see more value due to a possibly higher required skill level and more time to execute a carving strictly "by hand" using non-power tools. Does this mean you can't do it with power? With a CNC machine that was "hand programed"? No - you can do whatever you want. BUT - and I agree totally with this - BE HONEST and upfront about your methodology and tools used. Fairly or unfairly, rightly or wrongly, people have placed a value judgement on these things. But it is not right to try and pass off a totally CNC created carving as "hand carved". That's the obvious extreme. It get's a little grayer when you introduce "hand held and guided" power carving tools. So from a marketing perspective be up front about tools used, and educate people as to why a hand guided power tool carving is just a valuable as one done solely with non power "hand tools". People will get it if its explained.

As far as the solid block vs attachments debate . . . this is the same issue really. Truth in advertising. Rightly or wrongly, fairly or unfairly, something carved in toto from a single solid block is perceived to require more skill and therefore would be more valuable. Likewise - competitions are free to create whatever rules they want. If they say no attachments then that's the policy. Again - it comes down to competition and comparing works between different carvers and the value placed on the skill level required for one method verses another.

If you don't care to compete or if you aren't marketing are displaying your work then these issue are moot. If you ARE and if you are being honest in your marketing/advertising regarding your methods . . . then again these issues are moot. Do whatever you want to achieve the desire end result.

That's how I see it.
ChuckT

[Claude]

Lynn's carvings, and several of mine, although I shouldn't compare my carvings to Lynn's in the the same sentence, would be either impossible, or so delicate one couldn't breathe around them, without using non-wood add-ons. For example, Lynn's camp cook holding the coffeepot. If that coffeepot had to be left out of the carving because Lynn couldn't make a wooden bail instead of the wire one, the carving would not not have anywhere near the impact it does. If his dude didn't have the wireframe glasses, he wouldn't be nearly as funny. My gingerbread Santa would be impossible with out the wire used to hold up the gingerbread house and the holly... the list could go on...

The point is, the non-wood add-ons are what take the carving from "just a carving" to a "piece of art".

Just my opinion - if you disagree, that's ok, because everyone is allowed his/her own opinion...

Claude

[chuckt]

Makes sense to me Claude. I personally think think non-wood add ons make total sense in these cases. Especially when carvings proceed into the diorama area. And just to clarify my earlier response - in these situations I for one don't feel it should reduce the value of a carving.

ChuckT

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Claude's my man! He's exactly right when he says that the adoption of new methods can take a carving out of the ordinary and move it to a completely different level. I don't carve to be a woodcarver I carve to be creative. Wood is just the medium I work in. A painter is not restricted to using certain brushes, a certain kind of paint, or a certain surface to apply the paint to so why should we restrict ourselves to certain "traditional" methods. Some purists take offense when they see me manipulating Old Reliable when they think the only way is to use the "Traditional" carving knife. Their mind can't accept that my sharp metal edge is really no different than theirs. They will disdainfully observe my work with it's attached arms, hats, heads, etc. and then walk over to an exhibit of carousel animals and marvel and laud the worksmanship of those carvers forgetting I guess that those figures were also made up from numerous attached pieces.

Everyone should stop and ask themselves just how the work of carvers who paved the way for us would stand when compared to what is being produced today. Do you honestly think the Ward brothers could compete against todays top bird carvers? How about Andy Anderson up against some of todays caricature carvers? They wouldn't stand a chance. What if someone laid down the law that the carving being down at that time was the only accepted way. I'm sure they tried but fortunately for us they failed. No doubt years from now our work will be viewed the same way.....it was good then but new methods and techniques left it behind. Sure, just like we learned from those before us others will learn from us and become even better. Tradition is okay but I can only handle so much of it ....then it's time to move on.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Here's what I do.

I just carve what I want, how I want, with whatever method I want. Don't care about what anybody thinks. Don't make no never mind to me one way or the other. I'm just in it for the enjoyment, which means I can be that way. Others can do what they want, that don't bother me neither.

[Canopener]

Lynn,
I hope my calling you a multi-media artist did not get your back up; I just meant that you have multiple talents to get your point across, wood carving being one/main one of them.
BTW, and this is for everyone; I have a neighbor that learned his woodcarving skills at Oberamagau, Germany. They were required to forge their own tools, chisels and gouges. He told me right up front, that a razor knife,[Old Reliable] was the best and easiest tool to use. I can see it's use, but I love my knives.
I think everyone should branch out and try new things, but fall back on their strengths and make rules for themselves. I just do not find that I am competant in all areas.
I also think some of the local experts should keep their opinions to themselves. So, Lynn, I know that feeling personally also, it just chaps your hide.
I also have mixed feelings when some one wins a competition with a blatant copy of some carvers style. Not a copy of a piece, just style. Lynn, I have seen several pieces of your style. Do you consider this a compilment or what; as your stlye is unique.
Jim