Questions for Shawn Cipa

[jillsy]

Shawny,

Count me in for a book on biblical figures. You're da bomb!

[Shawn-Cipa]

So sorry guys, one and all, once again for not replying timely. I am supposed to be notified in my e-mail when somebody replies, and that is apparently not happening.

Tom 1952, I have experienced this problem countless times, and have learned to do exactly what Dan C. has figure out: Plunge cut very shallow at first, shave away the under side cheek area, and repeat until you get the depth you want. The wood will tend to chip away if you go too deep at first, but I have only know this to be true under with certain qualities of wood. In other words, on some pieces of basswood it will occur, and others it won't. If you spray a bit of 50/50 alcohol - water mixture before cutting, this sometimes helps, but probaby the very best thing you can do is to make sure your blade is SHARP,SHARP,SHARP. Keep the eyelid on the thick side, and if a big chunk still pops out, keep your instant glue handy.
I have also successfully performed the lower eyelid action with a sharp macaroni tool, and then O go back and define it a little with the knife.

To everyone else, I will keep the Noah's ark and other biblical figures in mind; obviously there would great interest in these subjects. Voice your opinion to the publisher as well - that helps! I greatly appreciate all your praise, and am very glad that you enjoy my books. I sure wish I could write them quicker! The new Gargoyle book took almost two years for the research, writing, carving, and photographing. It is a switch from my earlier books, I know, but I hope everyone enjoys it nevertheless.

Shawn C

[blackhorse]

Mr. Cipa,
Congratulations on another homerun! Your Gargoyles book is outstanding!
For everybody else out there, YOU HAVE GOT TO GET THIS BOOK! Even if you are not into Gargoyles the book has something for everybody.

The folklore has made the pictures in the "step by step" even more interesting because it makes you think how difficult it would be medieval artists to sculpt them our of stone. Additionally, it gives great background to tell people when you talk about it. (I find more and more, that when I show a piece or make something for people, they want to know more about it, if so for you too, this book has got you covered) When I get home I am going to the library to look up the references Mr. Cipa listed for more info and other ideas.

For the publisher, you must show more of this book on your site (at the very least the projects page that shows the completed patterns) it will create greater interest for people who may not be interested at first.

I just got this book in the mail yesterday at work and when I looked through it, I was pretty much worthless for the rest of the day. The designs for the dragon grotesque would make a very regal looking item I want on my book shelf. The lion medallion is another piece that anyone would want in their home. My wife will love the green man door-knocker and my son will definitely want the gargoyle and the corbels for a self I now want to put in his room. For my father, I want to make the medieval wood carver caricature that seems as though it came right off an old English woodcarvers guild sign. This pattern alone is worth the price of admission and any woodcarver you know will want one. This piece was a big surprise but actually makes a lot of sense having read the book. (Read it you'll understand what I mean)

I won't be able to start any new projects till I get back from deployment but my mind is not only racing with the projects from the book, but already I want to vary a few themes. That is what makes a great book, not only showing carvers "how to" make great projects, but to spark their imagination using learned techniques for application in different and original creations. This book will introduce carvers to a genre that they would not have tried otherwise, but will definitely be worth experience and is sure to build greater skill through challenging projects.

Great work Mr. Cipa, you have outdone yourself! Your research is thorough, your instruction is detailed and straight forward, and your choice of projects is smart. (The choice of narrowing down these projects must have been difficult, but a "Gargoyles Part II" containing just patterns is something I would definitely buy) I am truly sorry I keep asking you for more and more but at least you know your work is both in demand and greatly appreciated. You keep cranking out the books and I will keep telling everyone I know about how great they are but I think it will be easier to just show them your projects.

Thanks again,
Al Ramirez

[GaDoug]

Thanks for the advice Shawn.

[Dan C]

Shawn,

Thanks for your reply on the eyes. I think the eyes are definitely the most difficult part of the face to carve. A very, very slight error in a carving line can make a huge difference in how the eye ends up looking, so any advice and help in carving eyes is greatly appreciated. I hadn't thought of spraying with the 50/50 alcohol water solution. I'll be giving that a try shortly.

On another note:
I'm real glad you mentioned your new Gargoyle book! I ordered it a couple of days ago.

I've had your book "Carving Fantasy & Legend Figures In Wood", and its just excellent. I've been waiting until my carving skills got to the point where I would feel comfortable taking on one of the figures. I'm hoping I'm to that point now, and I've got some nice air-dried northern basswood pieces just waiting to be carved.

Now I guess I'll just have to wait for the Gargoyle book to arrive, so I can include that in my selection process. What a problem to have!

Also a big thanks to Al Ramirez below for his excellent and detailed comments on your new book. Can't wait to see it myself, since I have a particular interest in gargoyles. My daughter lives in New York City, and when we go and visit, I always walk around lower Manhattan and take pictures of gargoyles on buildings. They are all over the place, and are a great source of inspiration.

Dan C.

[Shawn-Cipa]

Thanks Al, for the shining review of my Gargoyle book! It certainly was an effort to date, compared to anything I have previously written. I will be eager to see the fruit of your(as well as other readers) labors once you have dug into the book's projects. I would love to see them!

As you mentioned, it is a subject matter that many may not have considered, myself included. But once I started delving into my research, I was amazed at how I could ever have overlooked the wealth of creative history that was right under my nose all along. As wood carvers and ultimately sculptors, we all should take notice of this almost lost world art form; I am glad to have (hopefully) brought some attention to it.

Happy Carving!

Shawn

[jwd]

Blackhorse, thank you for your service to your country. As a retired military man I can appreciate your commitment. Good luck in all your future endaevors. when you get the opportunity I'm sure we would all enjoy seeing your finished projects. Thanks again and god bless.

[Dileon]

I have done a lot of Shawn's work...and have posted it in other areas of message board....where should a post for him to see it? Here? Di

[Dileon]

Shawn I have done a lot of work with your books, I am an artist learning how to carve....your patterns are outstanding, and the work is a major challege that I super enjoyed the process. I am handicapped and can not leave home... at this time. So to take classes from anyone is impossible, but books I do have. I can not express the deepest appreciation for your hard work in this book. But it taught me how to carve, combination with my experience I have deeply found a love with whole process that my whole heart is 100% into this....anyway thanks.

[Dileon]

Here are the rest of the photo, the fairy is not finish, I plan to sculpt the base, add more mushrooms and a few mice if it works and light stain. Again can not thank you enough. Di