Issue #35 Summer 2006

[Shannon]

We'd love to hear what you thought of the most recent issue (or any issue for that matter!). Please let us know what we're doing right - what we're doing wrong... Don't be shy - as long as it's constructive we want to hear! Let us know which projects you're eager to start so we can search for more articles along those lines.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Well I do have a question...not much of one I will admit! on page 49, the chip carving.....what brand of chip knife is that being used? It has an interesting blade shape, unless its just the way the camera position is? thanks

[BobD]

Hi Dave,
it's an optical illusion...that's a normal, small-bladed chip carving knife...the studio lights are casting a weird glare.

In the Fall issue, We've got an article by Barry McKenzie on a chip-carved wedding plate. Barry modified his chip carving knife to make a different kind of chip...just a teaser for you chip carvers!

Bob

[Just Carving]

Hi Shannon

I thought the Issue was great as I think of all the issues. I was particularly pleased to see the article by Fred Wilbur on the classic carving of bookends. As I find time, I am pursuing a mission of self-study of classic architectural wood carving. Right now, as funds allow, I am obtaining different sources of references on the subject, i.e. books, magazine articles, etc. So, the article is another reference for me. I hope to see more articles/patterns about classic architectural carving by Mr. Wilbur and Lora Irish and maybe, as well as Kurt Koch, Mike Burton, and Paul Hasluck. Thanks for a job well done. I wish you and your staff continued success.

[Marci MN]

I have a question.

Is there any way you can make available the missing issues of the collectors set? Maybe print one or two a year so some of us have an opportunity to get them to complete our collection?

[Blake Lunsford]

I enjoyed the caricature carving of Mike Shipley! I would recommend and request more caricature related instructional articles. Maybe highlight some of the styles and tecchniques of the caricature carvers who are regulars on this site (but not instructors or authors of books). There is some great talent on here that don't get enough credit or recognition. I can think of 5 or 6 right off that I would like to see articles on their style of carving. Just a thought!

Thanks for providing a great magazine!

Blake

[squbrigg]

Hi Shannon,

Good to "see" you, and thanks for asking for our input.

A good issue, as usual, but may I suggest .....

I've noticed the format/lay out , information page on left / advertizing on the right until an article. This breaks up the Information pages as stand-alone items, which may be fine, but wouldn't it be better to keep them together? Mail Bag, Tips & Techniques, Reader Gallery, New Products, Judges Critique, Relief Column . I would also suggest that the titles be larger and more distinct.

Your positioning of Teachers Corner...it seems lost from the rest of the magazine. By that point in most magazines, you don't expect to see a full and helpful article, just worry it may get missed. As well, the title for it could be more "outstanding".

The articles are great, great photographs, clear, informative, a good variety of topics and skill levels.

Enjoyed the "Sculpting Raptors" and "Carving Bookends" the most, followed by "Carving Realistic Habitat" and "Wood Engraving".

You might like to think about reviewing some Art Colleges, University Programs, and some of the higher end art schools. In depth study on what is available and the sort of things they specialize in. There are some really interesting forms of carving out there being taught, and some fantastic carvers/artists. The schools may lead you to some of their more gifted and inspiring graduates. I enjoy reading about the week long courses, like Campbell's Folk School, but would also like to know about the longer programs available to carvers.

A magazine is an ever changing beast! WCI has progressed a long way, and I am constantly reviewing my early copies and still enjoying articles. Roger Schroeder made a great start and I still enjoy his travel articles.

Good luck and keep up the great work folks, and thank you for your fine efforts, Shannon, Jon and BobD!!!Thumbs Up You have created quite a "family of carvers" through this message board, and I thank you for bringing us together. I count many as good friends! Friends I would never have met otherwise.

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by BobD

Hi Dave,
it's an optical illusion...that's a normal, small-bladed chip carving knife...the studio lights are casting a weird glare.

In the Fall issue, We've got an article by Barry McKenzie on a chip-carved wedding plate. Barry modified his chip carving knife to make a different kind of chip...just a teaser for you chip carvers!

Bob

shucks and here I thought I found another knife to buy!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Hope I am not stepping on his toes...but I would like to see something by Lynn Doughty, Lynn has a very unique eye for design, detail, composition balance etc etc, not to mention he is an excellent carver and painter! Now Lynn, is that the way you told me to say it? Wink

[Ashbys]

I would like to see a bit more in the critic line. I still remember one of the first articles I read was a carving of a church and Bill Judt giving his opinion. Now as soon as I get the issue, it is the first section I look for.
To know what is wrong or what can be improved in a carving gives all carvers a chance to look at their work and say , I need to do this or need to do that for improvement.
I have found this section to be the most direct and informative in any of the issuses.
The how to's are great , but a how to without knowing the things to advoid , can make a really good carving become an OK carving quickly .

And I would like to see an article on Ron Davidson. He may not in the level of many carvers but in many ways he is so much more. I would think anyone able to do the carving he does with his eyesight would be an article worth publishing .

Garry