Chipping styles

[Downeast]

OK, this is my first post. I've been into chip carving for a little while, copying others patterns and developing knife technique. This is my first design. While it's pleasing enough to my eye, I'm wondering if I've made a chipping faux pas by combining free form with classic styles on the same piece. I haven't seen it much. Anyone know why?

[pallin]

Chip carving is not limited to patterns of little triangles. See any of Wayne Barton's books or the top of my toolbox (in the Carver's Galleries).

[papasar]

Ditto what Phil said. I often combine both. Even chip carved around some relief carvings. I also enhance some free forms with acrylics. If it suits you, go to it.
BTW Nice carving.
Bill K.

[Ed Redwine]

Part of the fun of Chip Carving is combining shapes and forms to come up with new and some time original stuff. In another life I did a lot of drafting (old school) so making my own designs appeals to me. But, I also like to use the patterns offered by others when the occasion arises. I like your plate a lot!
The keyword is have fun doing it.

[My Chip Carving]

I too like your plate. As mentioned, there is freedom in design when chip carving. Explore and experiment! That's part of the fun.

Marty
My Chip Carving
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[Downeast]

Hi friends,

Thanks for the comments. I've got to pursue this further though. In the Barton book he includes alot in the free form section. So I think my terminology is bad. Please forgive. I think the word I'm looking for is "non-traditional" free form. For instance his tulips and other floral patterns are traditional and geometric (not what I'm looking for) and will take geometric (classic) borders well. His Bald Eagle and Double Eagle are free form but are severe in shape and geometric in placement so the geometric border goes well. On the other hand his Ram and Cranes in flight are softer subjects but borderless (closer to what I'm looking for). The Heron in Phil's gallery is free form and is bordered by the cedar bark edges (closer yet) (and nice touch). So. I have a handled cheese board (not unlike Barton's butterboard) that I'm going to carve a marsh scene on (cattails, bullrushes, waterfowl, etc.) but I want to border it (hence classic & free form together). I started looking around for ideas and found there are very few examples of this combination of tradtional border with non-traditional free from centerpiece. I know this is technical design stuff, but now that you're thinking about it, it can drive you nuts as well as me. :-) Any of you come across examples for ideas? I've found so few, so I ask why. Perhaps because it rarely works?

By the way Ed, I'm an "old school" draftsman too. And Marty, I visit your site frequently...good stuff!

Thanks all,
Wayne

[brent]

I especially like the 2 different style of leaves.

[bigEd_H]

It's a very nice combination of geometric patterns and free form. Very nicely done. Keep it up and thanks for sharing.

[kitaye]

I think the combination looks great. I really like the maple leaf motif, but I am biased

[paolo59]

I like it. The combination of two different stiles for the same subject is really nice.