Fight for Survival WIP

[chiseller]

Hello to all the subscribers and readers of these forums. I thought I would take this opportunity to show some of my work currently in progress. The piece that has really been eating into my time is my piece Fighting for Survival being a slightly stylize sunflower plant growing wild in a rocky outcrop while being attacked by caterpillars and butterflies. The timber used is Silky Oak from here in Oz. It is a good carving timber having a wonderful grain and coloring. It can take a good amount of detail and is not unduly difficult to carve, although in this piece the brittleness of the timber is something of a problem with the flower and leaf stems. The pics show the piece in its present state as I work my way up from the base detailing and sanding and oiling as I go. I have left bracing on the back of leaves and flowers which will be removed as the piece nears completion. The final step will be to cut the serrations into the leave's edges and attach the caterpillars and butterflies. I would welcome any comments and or criticism. Here in Oz although we have some brilliant woodcarvers they are relatively unrecognized. The craft gets very little publicity. I will post further pics as I progress towards completion.

[Doug Ridley]

No criticism from here. I think it is a fantastic piece.

[Banjo]

That's beautiful! Such delicate work! The grain on that wood is really nice, too. Good job!

[Joy]

Beautiful work! Great idea for the subject matter!

[AlArchie]

Very impressive piece, Chiseller! that will be beautiful when completed and finished. By the way (I almost hate to ask) where is Oz? Or was that just bait waiting to be taken?

Al

[chiseller]

Australia! AlArchie, The land downunder. Sorry if my Aussia venacular is confusing. No I live in Queensland on the Eastern seaboard of Australia. I am glad you and others like my efforts. All I have to do is complete it without breaking of any leaves or flowers. Some parts of the leaves are only 1mm thick 1/16 inch.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Good job, I bet that oak is hard carving!

[ElWoodTroll]

OK chiseller,
Just one question. How did you paint them thar rocks to make it look like they're made of wood.....Inquiring minds want to know...

[doris]

beautiful. an amazing piece. looking forward to see it finished ... why do you start oilung already before your finished carving ? just curious.... and welcome to wci :-)

[Alice in Wonderland]

Just beautifully detailed and I love the color of the wood ,I am glad you leave it natural ,I can just feel the wood .
Thanks for sharing
Alice