Spring Doldrums

Hugh · #1 06-16-2005, 05:45 PM

Just wondering if anyone else is having trouble getting going because of Spring weather. I have had a project on the go for 2 weeks, and have accomplished maybe 2 days work. Just get in the shop, and think of things that need to be done out doors. I have started a project that is very interesting to me, a Pileated Woodpecker, on a nice old cedar stump, accompanied by a Red Breasted nuthatch, both are ready to grab an ant that is between them. It should be driving me to completion, but can't get up steam to work. Its so nice out doors. Its easier to work on carving when the weather is bad.

Colin_Partridge · #2 06-16-2005, 07:40 PM

Hugh,
Oh no not you this time last time it was me. A sure fire remedy for getting going is to go for a walk in the woods take a stool and just sit beside a stream and listen to nature just you alone nothing else to bother you. I find this very inspiring with all the pressures of modern day life it is a time to reflect on the past and let the earth stand still for just a few hours. I am so inspired these days to carve and my life is so busy with family and life commitments that it is my salvation. This board is also a great place to come when the doldrums hit the support I have recieved here in the past is what motivates me to carve. So if you need a little lift try the trip afield I am sure you will agree it is well worth the trip.
Colin

jamesfa · #3 06-16-2005, 08:39 PM

hugh-i wouldn't say i was in a spring doldrum,i haven't produced any carvings since feb-march.although i have been very busy with wood working for others building planters,fences and repairing furniture,making picture frames.
like you i have a couple of carving projects in the early stages trying to work out some of the tech. details.
thanks to your saw-whet demo i got an owl all roughed out.
colins suggestion my be what you need to give you a boost.

good luck i hope your doldrums are short lived

Frank

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 06-16-2005, 09:07 PM

I came to life and have been carving up a storm, problem is its all carving! I now have 12, count em 12 carvings finished but in need of painting! You think I have the gumption to paint them? LOL oh well, some day!

Just Carving · #5 06-16-2005, 09:16 PM

Yup--been there done that already! The way I got out of it was just to do so much yard work that I got sick of doing it! LOL

Sounds silly, but I did everything I had to do, then I turned around and I looked for something else to do, and there was none. I thought, "Darn no more yard work? Oh well, I guess I'll have to do some of that carving stuff--gonna kill me but what's gotta be done has gotta be done!

Seriously, after last week's 90 degree temps with fair amount of humidity to boot--a taste of Jersey July in Spring, only with bone icing 50 degree ocean temps--I was more than happy to get back outside and do some stuff--yard work or carving--didn't matter. But sorta like what Colin said, just do what makes ya happy. The rest'll still be there when you're good and ready to do it--unless of course the Missus gives ya the eye! LOL

Enjoy the Spring Hugh--the Dog days of Summer are just around the corner!

Bob

Hugh · #6 06-17-2005, 03:45 AM

Appreciate the replies, thanks. Maybe just saying it out loud is good therapy. Bob hit it right on the head, I think it will be good to just enjoy the good weather, and when I'm good and ready the carving will be there. The wife goes back to work next week, so I won't be able to chase her around, and I'll get back to work.

.

squbrigg · #7 06-17-2005, 06:00 AM

This must be the craziest spring ever. May, all wet, windy and cold, a week of heat wave, followed by two more weeks of wet, windy and cold, but the odd nice day thrown in. My wife had a tough time planting her gardens....but every day seemed to be able to drag me somewhere to look for something for it. All the driving, and walking around stores has kept me wore out......no strength left to carve. Between her and the daughters, they keep me running. I thought kids became independant once they moved out?

Maybe today I will be able to carve. Did have a delightful evening on Wednesday, invited one of the young Inuit carvers over for supper and an evening at our house. He expressed an interest in seeing what I do. We had a splendid time, showed him around the shop and we talked carving all evening. He works in stone and antler mostly, some bone. He does fantistic work, is selling in the gallery(s) like hot cakes. Showing in two galleries within the Province and preparing a consignment for a Montreal gallery now...they want 30 pieces, so he's a busy lad. This lad is going places, and he's only 27. Much of his stuff is traditional Inuit carving, but he also does a lot of interpative designs.....awsome work. Wish I could post it, but the gallery protect it from copywright for him....rightly so, it is so original.

Bob

wade clark · #8 06-17-2005, 09:29 AM

Bob,
Sure wish we could see his work! There are some incredible carvers in antler etc. One of my favorites is Shane Wilson. A net search for Shane Wilson Sculptures will find his site. Incredible mastercarver! Check out his site, I think you'll be as impressed as I am! He's from the far north too.
I hope your young friend is using a good respirator or dust mask!
Hope you got some carving time in!
Wade

Hugh · #9 06-17-2005, 04:40 PM

Hello again, found an answer to some of the stress of the bad spring weather. Try this link and click on the pig. If this dosent work for you, your in trouble.
http://members.cox.net/ladysarakat/piggy.swf

jamesfa · #10 06-22-2005, 09:04 PM

Hugh-just a note to thank you for posting your demo for the saw-whet owl.have had him cut out for a while but just couldn't get started you demo has really helped me to figure out some of the tech. details. not only have i been working on the owl,i have also been working on a few other projects.

to help me out of the doldrums i have put aside a few hours mon. & wends
morning just to work on carving or carving related projects.

Frank