[Mark Gargac]

Carving found wood can present its challenges, and this piece is no exception.
Attempting to carve the visor on the hat I ran out of good wood, (bark), on the right side, indicated by the arrow, marked in black marker, carving deeper does not always work. I did know, that if it did'nt work out, it is off to the side, and could be coverd by a feather, which is what I will carve to fill the void.
Besides this small mishap, the carving has gone fairly well. I have 5 hours into it, to this point. I figure another 5 for completion. I may attempt to hollow the back out and pierce through at the eyes for some additional effect.

[Mottles]

Hi Mark, I know you'll make it work, and a feather sounds good to me.
I have had some experience with carving cottonwood on a smaller scale. Some of my kachina dolls are cottonwood limb. I have found that cottonwood has soft spots. So far I have been able to adjust, but I know my time is coming. LOL
Your progress is wonderful looking forward to following along.
I'm really excited about taking your class in Creed, Colorado in July. I've sent in my registration to hopefully lock-in a spot in one of your two/two day class dates.
Kathy

[wade clark]

Mark,
Incredible! Very nicely done!
Wade

[Ron Davidson]

It sounds like it is coming along great Mark.

[Mark N. Akers]

Mark:
Great looking mountain man going their,and glad to see you was able to carve through that crack,you just never know about bark.

[Irishman]

That cottonwood looks to have an interesting texture. It looks like you could push your tool through the wood without a mallet. The eyes stand out on this carving, however, your whiskers...although sultle...impress me still. I spend too much time detailing when I should be going with a larger gouge. I think you suggested this to me before...or someone on this site did. It's neat how your able to adjust to the challenges the wood is giving you. Look forward to seeing that feather take shape.
Patrick

[squbrigg]

As usual Mark, impressive work. That face is magnificant, you can read so much character in it. I always enjoy seeing what you come up with for ideas and how you develope the carving. Thanks again for sharing your talent with us.

Bob

[AlArchie]

Incredible! that is all I can say.

And that visor? Ya know, there is a roughness on all sides of the face as it blends into the bark, why not just leave that bit of roughness stand proud on the visor? I don't feel quallified to give you suggestions, and that is merely an observation by an amatuer, soo don't take it too seriously.

Al

[Tom H]

Few people can give life to their carvings like you do Mark. really nice...Tom H

[Marci MN]

Nice! You put so much life into your faces. I too was thinking to just leave it as is. Maybe hats/caps werent so easy to come by back then and they get a little worn. Maybe a bullet made that grazed hole on his cap and he wears it proudly. Or maybe its a sign of a close call with a grizzly.... thats the griz's claw thats going to be on his necklace right? *grin*