Woodcarvings in Spain

[mik1947]

I've been in the Northwest region of Spain called Galicia for the past week and I only have a short time of access to the internet, but I wanted to comment on what I've seen. I've visited several large cathedrals and small churchs and they have one thing in common - exceptional examples of woodcarving. It's amazing to see the mastery of the work in these places!! It's also humbling to think that these works have lasted for hundreds or thousands of years!! I don't have much time away from my job, but I'm trying to find somewhere to purchase some wood. Question They grow a lot of Eucalyptus trees here - anybody know how this would carve?

Mike

[squbrigg]

Ask around, find a carpenter shop or better yet, a carver. They'll probably have some wood you could try. Carving is an international language! Spain has a rich history of traditional carving, their ships were beautifully carved in the 1600's-1800's.

Bob

[mik1947]

Bob -
You were absolutely correct!!! One of the local students in my class took me to a woodworking shop and they gave me a couple of small pieces of Spainsh Cedar to bring back. I am excited about working with it, but right now I'm dog tiered after travelling for almost 24 hours yesterday to get home. Thanks for the suggestion!!!

[squbrigg]

Glad you had luck Mik.....figured you would. Carpenters, carvers or any woodworkers are always proud to share their experience with tourists and impress them with their ability. Spanish Cedar....that should be great carving.....now plan something special to carve from it.

Bob

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Eucalyptus is very hard. I'd stick with the cedar unless you want to rebevel a bunch of tools. It would make nice sculptures though.

[madi]

Eucaliptus is a Australian tree. They plant in Galicia and other places in Spain because the paper industry and others. They plant Pinus radiata, american tree in many places too in the nord of Spain (never knew why, because there are diferent natural fantastic Pine trees in Spain).
The natural trees in Galicia are the European Oaks, and Chesnuts, Linden, Ash, fantastic Yews , and others.
There are not natural cedars in Spain, but there are many planted from Atlas in Marrok and Libano, hundred and 2 hundred years ago, for its beauty, and greatnes ( and beautyfull ,and fantastic odorfull wood)

I ofer you litle information folks :-).

[mrgrouch]

i don't know about the species of eucalyptus grown in spain, but i know the eucalyptus grown in southern california will twist and split horribly as it dries. something to keep in mind.

saludos