working on a carving commission with Mal McEwen

[Thor]

This is two carvings that will be combined to be a gate entrance to a development not too far from my studio.
Mal McEwen, who is mostly a chainsaw carver, got the job and pulled me in for design and the handwork.
So far, he has used die grinders to grind out the outlines of the relief carving on the fish carving, and I am using hand tools to give the surface a tooled surface. The whole image surface will be painted and stained. It is white pine and measures 3 feet by 6 feet.
In the background of the first image, you can see the archway that will have the letters of the developement carved (raised letters) on it. We have just gotten the approval of the type font, and our employer on this is coming out tomorrow to see the progress. The archway measures 11 feet across.


I am grateful for the work in January, and it is fun working with Mal.

Christina

[grdeno]

Looking good so far will be looking for the end piece when finished.
Gary

[Sharon of the Dell]

Nice team effort!
I'm always curious how folks hold their tools. I like how he is holding and using the die grinder.
Thanks Christina!

[Thor]

Thanks Gary and Sharon,

Here are some progress photos from today.
They are being carved in my studio, and it's kind of chilly without heat, but we are getting it done on schedule so far. The two carvings should be done and painted by the end of January.
Enjoy,
Christina

[fly fisher]

Its looking so far Christina, I aways like seeing carvings at the opposite end of the scale to what i do. Safe carving, and i'll look in again when you've got some more done.

[Tommy Taylor]

I think it looks great Christina and would love to see this when it's all finalized.Looks like it will be enjoyable to look at for everybody for years to come.Congratulations.

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi Christina,
Beautifull already, looking forward to seeing this evolve, thanks for sharing.
Dan

[carver33]

That's quite an undertaking - looking good.

[Thor]

Update on the carvings in images. The large lettered sign is finished and stained around the edges and the carved letters and background are all painted. The fish carving now has the words " Please drive safely" carved on the back of it, because it is the exit view for the development it will be the gate to. The image of Mal painting it with grey sealer is the prime coat before the colors go on it.
Mal's dog, Fletch, and my Mouse are getting along really well and actually get into little jumping play time with each other every now and then.

[AlArchie]

Very impressive Christina! That's a big project to take on and you seem to be handling in excellent fashion.

Al