bar with carved figures as legs

jartzh · #1 04-14-2008, 09:54 PM

I am doing a bar, 9ft pecan slab . and I am carving indians(2) as legs out of cedar. here is the first gal roughed out. it was suppose to be 42" high but grew to 46" so it will be a high bar. Dont have the slightest idea what the other pose will be as the wood just gives me the pose as it emerges. This was suppose to be a subtle nude but it didnt end up being too subtle. My wife asked what would a nude indian do standing with her hand on her head? I didnt have an answer. I will finish this one and send a pix in a couple days.

Irishman · #2 04-15-2008, 07:24 AM

That should be quite a carving when finished. My mentor has done a number of female forms and wood nimphs for some bars years ago. He's presently working on a mermaid. I'm always impressed how carvers can capture the human form dimensions in wood. Please keep us posted on your progress.
Patrick

Thor · #3 04-15-2008, 08:19 AM

I'll be watching too. She looks wonderful so far.
Thor

bghebert · #4 04-15-2008, 08:49 AM

Looking forward to seeing the finish piece, you know there could be a reason for her to hold her arms above their head, but lets leave that to laws of nature and gravitational pull.

dmatias · #5 04-15-2008, 01:11 PM

The indian looks like she is holding her hair out of her face from a wind to me. It looks like it will be a great carving when finished. Look forward to seeing the progress.

Ashbys · #6 04-15-2008, 08:19 PM

Looking forward to watching.

Ash

jartzh · #7 04-16-2008, 08:54 PM

Ok the first figure is finished. I used semigloss poly to keep the contrast between the sapwood and heartwood. she is 42 " tall

Irishman · #8 04-17-2008, 06:37 AM

Some nice colors coming out of the wood for you. You did a good job of having the figure come out of the wood but still be part of the wood...if you know what I mean. Can't imagine finishing one like this and starting another one in the same piece of wood. Look forward to seeing it.
Patrick

jartzh · #9 04-18-2008, 12:25 AM

Need some help. I plan on carving a companion leg which will be the opposite of this one. (looking to her left ...) The question: Is this the right leg or left leg (as you face the bar)? Should they be looking towards the end of the bar or the middle? I have never done anything like this before so its all new to me.

dmatias · #10 04-18-2008, 07:52 AM

I for one vote for the middle. It would give a more cohesive feeling to it to me. If you know what I mean.

Also, if they are looking away from the bar they might indicate you are not a very good bartender lol.