Wagh The Mountain Man

[Mottles]

Title: 'Wagh' The Mountain Man
Medium: Black Cottonwood bark from Montana. (per Art Olver) Beautiful Bark Art
Size: 12 5/8" Inches Tall x 4" Inches Wide
Deep: 3" Inches
Finish: Deft Semi Gloss

My relief carving 'Jack In The Pulpit' is finished, but need some time to study it so thought I'd do a Cottonwood Bark Carving. Don't want to let the carving bench get empty. tee hee

A little background on the title I chose: The term 'wagh' used by Mountain Men and Indians, usually denoting admiration or surprise. It's a grunt-like sound and is supposed to resemble a sound made by a bear when it's mildly surprised. (Glossary of American Mountain Men Terms, Words, & Expressions. Walt Howard, & Brad McDade)

I'm pleased with the way 'Wagh' turned out. The photo doesn't show the true color of the Cottonwood Bark it's actually more reddish in color. It has a beautiful grain and I was lucky enough to have a circular ring right on the nose tip. No skill on my part just real luck.

The Cottonwood Bark is from Art Olver 'The Bark Guy.' I bought some bark from Art about two years ago and this is only the second piece I've carved. I have about five more pieces yet to carve.

It's been over a year since I carved a face and felt really rusty...I would have liked to do a better job on the eyes. Well, enough of my chatter...

As always I appreciate your comments.

Kathy

[Sean R]

Hi Kathy, I like the Mountain man well done!

[Dan Wegiel]

Hi Kathy,
Looks great, the eyes are very well done, brings Wagh to life.
Dan

[Tom Ellis]

Nice job Kathy, Art and Dorothy will be happy to see what you did with the bark. When I make that sound, I think my wife interprets is as more of a whine.

Tom

[chpster90bu]

Kathy....if I could carve a face as good as that, I'd be thrilled! No sign of "rust" to me! Very well done. Bonnie

[JoeVM]

I like how the grain showed in his mouth. Nice job on Wagh.

[Mottles]

Sean, Dan, Tom, Bonnie, Joe:

Thank you, all for taking the time to look and comment and thank you for your nice compliments.

Tom, I'm hoping that Art and Dorthy will see this thread they are such nice folks. Art has some really nice Cottonwood Bark sure hope he's still selling it. I can get Cottonwood Bark just a short distance from my home, but it's not the thick Plains bark. Art is a wonderful carver...

Thanks all,
Kathy

[tnartist05]

It might been a while since you've carved? But you sure didnt loose your talents Kathy.

I like this carving,very nice!!

Forrest

[Bob K.]

I think you did a great job Kathy! I really like it! The nose is perfect and I think the eyes came out terrific too!

[Curtscarving]

Hey
Really like this one the wood grain in the mouth is cool