Sunflower Relief

[northwood bob]

I thought I'd take a bit of time to share this one with you guys. The relief in the attached photos is a 28" round in cedar depicting a goldfinch perched and feeding on a ripened sunflower.

The glue-up is 5 pieces of 30" x 2 x 6 straight grained cedar. I chose cedar because this piece will be mounted outdoors on the side of our home. I needed something that could be maintained as well as being able to sustain the winter weather as well as the summer sun and everything else. We all know how soft cedar is and that has brought several ongoing issues and concerns during the process.

First of all, (due to the soft nature of the fiber) extremely sharp tools are a must. I've lowered the approach angle to the cutting edge (closer to 15° than the normal 20°). I also found it necessary to strop the edge very frequently. I found the use of a Dremel tool with a buffing wheel and stroping compound sped up the process quite well. Keeping detail in the pattern was also an issue. I chose to roll some of the edges on the pedals rather than insert the curvy detail that is apparant on the plant. Since it will be looked at at a distance rather than closely, this should work.

As you can see, most of the roughing has been completed. The bird should not pose a problem but I am in a bit of a quandry as to what to do with the seed head. ANY IDEAS?

I am planning to either stain the finished result with colored opaque stain or an acrylic wash. This will be covered with a amintainable sealant. Not sure what yet.

More to follow
Bob

[Thor]

That is a big project, and is coming along very nicely. It looks as though you have used a few mallet tools and work with palm tools for detail? Lots of work in it!
I'll watch for follow up posts to see what you do next.
Christina

[mobjack68]

Dude....you need a mallet!!

that's a lot of wood removal and it looks great!!
hope you post results...

[Irishman]

It's been a long time since I saw a relief project of that size. I can imagine how careful you will need to be as you begin undercutting and thinning out your pedals given the fibres of cedar wood. Should be very nice when completed.
Patrick

[northwood bob]

I may have to resort to pulling out my Foredom tool and power carve the undercut. Not that I don't like power carving but I've tried to stay away from it in my work

Bob

[pallin]

I would recommend doing the seed head as a mass of small circular beads, carved with a gouge such as #9-3mm.
It's going to be a fine carving when you're done. A few years ago I did a similar relief built up from 2" x 12" cedar (redwood). The final carving was about 4-1/2 ft x 7 ft.

[Old Codger]

That's one ambitious and beautiful project Bob! Lots and lots of work already done, and lots more to go...besure and keep us posted on your progress, it's going to be a wonderful project!!! Thanks for sharing with us!
Kenn

[gene-messer]

Going to be beautiful

Gene

[Riverman]

Beautiful carving!
Bob

[Ashbys]

Nice carving ,

Yellow cedar ? I hate yellow cedar, fiber like and shifts and strips . Your doing a nice job.

Ash