Cottnwood bark

Mark Gargac · #1 01-23-2007, 01:14 AM

Got my carvings finished up and was able to get back to some bark carving.
I have been wanting to carve this huge piece of cottonwood bark for months now.
This bark measures 3.5 feet by 7" wide and 5" in depth. The carved portion measures 14" x 6". You dont find bark like this everyday, anyways, I dont! I found this piece and some smaller pieces last fall, about 20 miles southwest of Denver, along the Platte river.

Irishman · #2 01-23-2007, 07:08 AM

That's quite a slab of bark Mark. I've never seen cotton wood bark before. It appears from your pic that you have your carving powered up from the look of the electrical cord in the back!
Patrick

Mark N. Akers · #3 01-23-2007, 08:12 AM

Mark:
Really looks like a fantastic piece of bark,keep us up on the progression of it.Patrick,Bark is a fantastic wood for woodspirits.

BobD · #4 01-23-2007, 08:48 AM

And not just woodspirits! You should see the Chief that Mark carved in Cottonwood Bark. We've got a photo in the gallery section of his upcoming article!

BTW, we've got a Viking carved by Rick Jensen as well!!!

Bob

Ron Davidson · #5 01-23-2007, 09:08 AM

Mark what did you carve in the bark?

DADDIO · #6 01-23-2007, 09:12 AM

great job on the bark,and what a piece of bark!!! that is looking great keep us posted

BobD · #7 01-23-2007, 09:13 AM

I'm sorry Ron; I'll use my wordsmithing talent!

It looks like some sort of mountain man that is in the final stages of rough-out. There are a few details, but it is mainly just the facial planes with the detailling started on the eyes and nose. There is a close-up view and a overall view; the overall view shows how massive the piece of bark really is!

Hope this helps!

Bob

Ron Davidson · #8 01-23-2007, 09:15 AM

Helps allot Bob. Thanks

Lynn O. Doughty · #9 01-23-2007, 09:29 AM

Nice Job Mark. That piece of bark was big enough for the whole body......How about it??

Mark Gargac · #10 01-23-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Davidson

Mark what did you carve in the bark?

Ron, Bob's correct, Although the carving could go either way, Mtn. Man, or being the beard is so long, a woodspirit.

The carving is in the rough out stage. I set alot of detail in on the eye area already with the squinting like type eyes.

I have a large crack in the hat that I have to deal with. I have already taken alot of wood off this area. Just have to carve deeper in to get pass this , or possible just have to leave it the way it is.