WIP Indian

[doris]

hi dan,,, actually using references for carving is one of the best things you can do to improve your carvings skills...you still can be very creative, since for example, when carving a head, you can choose different parts from different reference fotos. it does not minor originality, if you look my work, i always use references, but all my pieces are one of a kind, so i would say original...references are only there to give you the information you need for carving successfull the idea that is inside your head...

[mateo]

Kathy, this Indian looks like its shaping up real nice! I see what you mean about the bandanna. I think the hair out, kind of makes him look like a rock star type and hair in would solidify the indian image a bit more.
How big is it? how will it be looked at will it be mounted in some way?
Truly nice work so far.

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by doris

hi kathy,,, i see you feel now more confident with carving mouths :-)... i don´t see what you mean with the bandana would make to deep creases on the sides...as you have it now on the front, the creases don´t look deep at all, and in my opinion, this way would not disturb on the side view...but, maybe you wanted go with a strictly geometric stylized outline ? is that the reason why you say they disturb,,,just curious for your reasoning...

Hi Doris, yes I do feel more confident carving mouths now, starting to get the hang of it.
As regards to the bandana had I have checked my references first I'd seen exactly how the bandana should have fit around the head. The way I have it now will work ok, it's just not how it should have been. I've rough sketched two examples the first one shows the way the bandana fits now. The second sketch is how it really should have been.
On the first sketch I cut to deep on both sides of the bandana to go back and redo it to look like sketch number #2.
Kathy

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by Dan Wegiel

"The ugly stage". I know exactly what you mean Kathy, looking at a piece during that stage is sometimes very disappointing and then all of a sudden you take off more wood and there it is, not so ugly anymore. Looks like a good start and I'm glad you're doing it from your imagination instead of looking at a reference pic, originality.
Dan

Hi Dan, I guess you could call the ugly stage the foundation and the rest the sticks and mortar. You are right this stage can be either very exciting or disappointing. Sticking with it and taking it as far as your knowledge and talent will let you go. Either way even with mistakes we learn something don't we.
Once in a while I will throw causion to the wind on carve without reference. Of course it is a risky thing when you are depicting a certain subject such as my Apache bandana. LOL
Thank you, for your thoughts and they are very much appreciated.
Kathy

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by doris

hi dan,,, actually using references for carving is one of the best things you can do to improve your carvings skills...you still can be very creative, since for example, when carving a head, you can choose different parts from different reference fotos. it does not minor originality, if you look my work, i always use references, but all my pieces are one of a kind, so i would say original...references are only there to give you the information you need for carving successfull the idea that is inside your head...

Hi Doris, I agree with you, what I think Dan meant was copying a subject exactly. Not using any creativity or ideas of your own. Study casts are a great learning tool and I see carvers using them more and more.
In order to learn we have to have something to study. When beginning a carving I try to do a little research on my subject. Lots of times this will give me ideas of how I want my carving to look. In this case of my current carving I broke my rule.
I thought it important to mention my error to hopefully teach others that it is important to do your research.
Thank you for your interest and comments,
Kathy

[Mottles]

Originally Posted by mateo

Kathy, this Indian looks like its shaping up real nice! I see what you mean about the bandanna. I think the hair out, kind of makes him look like a rock star type and hair in would solidify the indian image a bit more.
How big is it? how will it be looked at will it be mounted in some way?
Truly nice work so far.

Hi mateo, thank you for stopping by and for your comments. Yeah, not sure I can keep him as an Apache. I think I'll just continue with my idea and see how it all comes out. He is 7" Tall x 4" Across x 2" Thick. The back is carved out....
Thanks again,
Kathy

[Iowa Carver]

Looking good Kathy. I have not done a Native American yet, something I want to do soon. Your brave is looking real good.

Corey

[Kenny_S]

No Ugly, just plain down right great piece of carving!

[Mottles]

Corey and Kenny S, thanks guys really appreciate your comments.
Kathy

[doris]

h kathy, i am sorry, i did not meant to poke into a mistake, i really just did not understand your comment and got interestested what you might mean. thank you so much for clearifying... keep carving, and even now its good to get references if you not have yet, they always help, exactely as you say, they give info , and inspire, but not hinder creativity...