Insert feathers on birds of prey

[torpidhummer]

I have a question for all you bird carvers and carvers in general. My question is based on a birds of prey and owl caving and detailing done by William Veasy. He recommends carving heads and feathers,detail burning separatly and of course the feathers Mr.Veasy carves, details and burns are extremely well done and commendably realalistic. My question is does anyone else on the web site use similar methods or is this considered a different form of carving and is this type of carving birds presented and judged in a separate catagory? Such as carvings from Floyd Scholz, Falconer, Lori Corbett and
others other excellent bird carvers that continuosly win top awards.

I sure would enjoy seeing some the bird carving products that you have inserted feathers. I'm serious folks to me it seems like this kind of bird carvings are very interesting but also more difficult than carving the entire bird and detailing. Hopefully some of you good folks can help me solve this for me and maybe there are others feeling the same as I do.
Thanks
Oscar

[Hugh-P]

I'm not sure I understand your question, the feathers inserted by carvers are wooden carved feathers. Included is a photo of a Red Tail Hawk feather detailed and ready for paint. I don't insert feathers in my carvings. Mostly because they never seemed to look natural. When feathers are properly inserted, its hard to tell that they were inserted. Usually the feathers that are inserted are the primary flight feathers.

[Simplyme]

Paint you say?????? That hawk looks finished to me. Great carving, I admire you guys that can do birds....maybe one day....

[carvnman40]

I'm like Hugh, in that I don't insert feathers in my bird carvings either. According to Floyd Scholz, twenty five years ago it was in vogue to go insert crazy but he now tries to keep it to a minimum.
Hugh, it looks like you've got a great looking red tail going. I hope you'll show us the finished, painted work.
Mike

[torpidhummer]

Hugh and Caveman, thanks for your input, you both answered my question. Hugh what a great job you did on the detailing, so realistic.That's what I am trying to achieve, soon as I complete my falcon's feet, I will post it for viewing an comments.
Thanks again.
Oscar

[falconer]

I never insert feathers unless I'm carving a wing that needs the strength for support and then I will insert brass into the wood as well. I have found over the years that inserting feathers actually takes more work and time than carving them from the block. When you can carve them from the block you can maintain the shape of the wing better than inserting. I try to discourage my students from inserting any feathers and carving everything from the block. There's just as much layout and planning when you carve from the block as there is inserting.


Welcome to Sierra Creek Studios

[Paul_Guraedy]

Since I do not carve for competition, I do not get overly concerned about the way things ought to get done. I take the easiest way out for me. I use inserts in only a few circumstances (sorry don’t have any clear pics showing inserts as I never thought of taking them). Mainly there are two reasons. First is for strength, usually when I want the grain running differently than it would on a block. I like to use tupelo for my inserts as it has more bending strength than basswood. The second reason is when I want to carve under an area of raised feathers and just can’t get there without inserts.

Actually, I am now experimenting with a third reason (at least I guess you could call it an insert). A few years ago, I started carving larger pieces and am finding the pose to be limiting if I stick with a single block of wood. I became interested in full wing inserts (have not done this yet) and using brass rods for strength. The other day I read an article on using the legs of an owl as an insert so that a carving can be dismantled and moved easily. Accompanying was detailed information on how to make the rods and use epoxy to build up the legs and talons. Just what I needed as I want to start paying about as much attention to the habitat as to the bird. This will make even larger carvings than I have been doing, which given limitations on available wood will make inserts even more useful.

[torpidhummer]

Thanks Paul,I also have no intention of ever entering competion,presently I'm completing my life size Perigrine Falcon of which I am inserting the tail feathers. The carvings that I do are like my Long Bow making abilities,I try to enhance my life on a positive way of living and if life hands me a lemaon I make lemonade. When I read your qoute and your short stories of your personnal life,you make the meaning of your qoute about not taking life to serious cause it just ain't permenant. Thanks for the input as soon as I complete my Perigrine, I post it.
Oscar

[falconer]

Hey Oscar!! Good to hear your almost finished with the Peregrine!! I sure would like to take a look when finished. Is the Redtail next?? Did you get down to the "design in wood show" in SanDiego?

Welcome to Sierra Creek Studios

[torpidhummer]

Hey Jeff good to hear from you, I couldn't make to the show do to follo up appointments with the VA, Yet bet that the Red tailed haw is next, I have the Peregrine completed and all I have to do is paint it and finish the the feet I'm making. I would show it as it is but I havn't inserted the the tail feathers,because painting them after being inserted would be very difficult. However I might photograph as is and if I figuer out how to download them for the forum I'll post it. Everyone within the last few weeks have posted information on how to post photos, I'll give a try.It's good to hear you have escaped the fires up north as you knoow last years fire down here destroyed over 1500 homes,sometimes I wonder if the Big Carver p----- at us down on
our planet as there so much global devestation. Anyway Semper Fi and may fair winds always be in your path
Oscar