[Irishman]

I had planned on doing a Native American in a log and made the face too big...as usual..so rather than toss it, I thought I'd turn it into a mask for something different. He still has a large nose and lips, plus his eyes are still set back but he's supposed to be more caucasian now than Native. I then spied a log on the shelf I did about a year ago and took the face off to try a female mask (I attached the log to see what she used to look like). Although I carved out much of the old wood and sanded it down, there still is evidence of oil in the grain - especially around the eyes. She had a crack in the forehead so I filled it with wood putty. I prefer to keep my carvings natural and put some oil on it to bring out the grain...however, I think the crack may stand out so I may paint the two of them. It was my first time trying mask so be gentle with your comments. It was fun learning and I think I know what I need to do the next time I try this. Both mask are poplar wood and verrrrry dry wood which caused me problems.
Patrick

[Kenny_S]

Tey both look good. But what do I know I am cracked!

[slivers&dust]

Patrick those look awesome and
man you did those fast too.

…if you don’t mind me asking, are you going to pierce the eyes and nostrils? I think that would add a lot of character and dimension to your already good-looking pieces.

[feb]

Patrick, I really like them, they seem to be mysterious. FEB

[Irishman]

I wouldn't take the risk as the wood is very dry...almost to the point of rot. You may not see it from the photos but there are areas on the face that broke off in chunks having me improvise and reshape parts of the face. The backs are quite thick as well to give them strength. If I ever take on the challenge again, I'll use better wood and thin out the wood to allow me to pierce the eyes.
Patrick

Originally Posted by slivers&dust

Patrick those look awesome and
man you did those fast too.

…if you don’t mind me asking, are you going to pierce the eyes and nostrils? I think that would add a lot of character and dimension to your already good-looking pieces.

[Coffeeman]

Patrick, Nice pieces, like them both, I also remember the female post when you showed the pic way back when, great job. Bill

[Blake Lunsford]

very nice work Patrick! I see nothing wrong with them now! I would leave them as is....great carvings!

Blake

[Ashbys]

Pat
Nice masks
But I agree with Sivers. Since you have taken them this far, would you consider using a drill, to open the eyes and the nostrils? Power will not stress the wood like hand carving And the openings would really add to those masks.

But they are very good as they are.

Garry

[squbrigg]

Beautifully done Patrick. I agree with Ash and Slivers & Dust, power carving out the eyes and nostrils would make them perfect masks. You could harden them first with a sealer, if you were concerned about strength and then power carve them out. Your call of course. Nice work.

Bob