[chiseller]

This piece was carved from green timber and to avoid cracking and splits was oiled after every carving session to slow down the drying process. Although the timber has dried out completely now as it is generally pretty thin I try to keep the oil up to it as any change in humidity could still create problems. I use Penetrol oil until the drying process is complete then use Organoil pale buffing oil over the finishing stages. This is a natural Australian oil refined from local plant and wood oils. It is colourless hence any colouration in the timber is the natural grain in the timber. This bit of Silky oak I have worked in some of the sapwood hence the striking dark colored timber.

[susieq]

What a beautiful piece..... I love the carving and the wood is very rich looking too. Lovely composition.
susieq

[Blinky Bill]

G'day,
and thanks for sharing that beaut piece with us, really appreciate the delicacy of it and can feel the plants' struggle. I've never tried to carve Silky oak, but you have me thinking now, I have used Brown Tulip Oak (White Boolong) which I love working with, but will be looking for some nice silky oak to try. Agree with your thoughts re Ozz carvers, we really need some courses/ clubs to start up here in Vic.....Any up there in Banana bendin' country?<grin> ........Beautiful work! thanks again
John

[chiseller]

G'Day Blinky Bill,
Thanks for your comments. I love working with Silky as it is good to carve and has such a wonderful grain. I get large lumps from one of the local treelopers. There are a couple of carving clubs up here but nothing close by my location. Donald Powell offers classes but unfortunately a bit out of my price range. I have included pic of my first carving attempt. A frilled necked lizard in Silky Oak mounted on piece of Jarrah.