Floral Cascade

[Arthur C.]

I'm carving a Grinling Gibbons style piece right now, a floral cascade in seven separate pieces and three layers, about 17" x 9", and it's exhausting me...I broke a delicate, good sized piece in three places as I carved on it yesterday. Laid my tools down, swept up my chips and wouldn't even look at it then. I have to recarve that piece and carve three more before I start cleaning up and thinning out the parts prior to assembling. This is by far the most ambitious carving I've attempted. I spend as much time thinking about how I'm going to carve as I do actually carving. I'm posting a picture of what I'm attempting.

If you're not familiar with Gibbons, Google him...you'll be amazed at the work he did.

[Morrow7x]

What a challenge!

[Nebraska]

Definitely a challenging task you have chosen to take on. It is good to challenge yourself, I often think the figuring out how is half the fun. Look forward to photos of your work.

[Merle Rice]

Hi, Arthur, Wow! you really picked a Challenging Project. Carving Round Objects is Hard for me and you have a Bunch of Round Objects. Should be a Fun Project. Merle

[DiLeon]

it's exhausting me...I broke a delicate, good-sized piece in three places as I carved on it yesterday. Laid my tools down, swept up my chips and wouldn't even look at it then. I have to recarve that piece and carve three more before I start cleaning up and thinning out the parts prior to assembling. This is by far the most ambitious carving I've attempted. I spend as much time thinking about how I'm going to carve as I do actually carving. .

I had to laugh this is where I am at...can not say how much is thrown in the trash before I get it down to rocket science. Worth the challenges. At times it goes snail's pace until you find solutions. If she keeps breaking I start looking at my choice of wood, is it too brittle, won't hold a fine line??, Or do I need to change tools, or methods or wood? Tons of pondering goes into work like this. Have fun, the trash can is normal...so is crawling on the floor nose to the ground trying to find broken pieces.

[pallin]

Arthur - Glad to see someone (you) aspiring to Grinling Gibbons' level of carving. I have wanted to see his works in person, and even scheduled a trip to Florence, Italy to see the Cosimo panel (but cancelled due to the pandemic.)

To those who want to know more: "Grinling Gibbons & the Art of Carving" by David Esterly - Victoria & Albert Museum, North Kensington, England - Distributed in North America by Harry N. Abrams Inc., New York.

[Arthur C.]

Arthur - Glad to see someone (you) aspiring to Grinling Gibbons' level of carving. I have wanted to see his works in person, and even scheduled a trip to Florence, Italy to see the Cosimo panel (but cancelled due to the pandemic.)

To those who want to know more: "Grinling Gibbons & the Art of Carving" by David Esterly - Victoria & Albert Museum, North Kensington, England - Distributed in North America by Harry N. Abrams Inc., New York.

Spot on, Phil, I have Esterly's book, and it's a gem!

[Arthur C.]

Hi, Arthur, Wow! you really picked a Challenging Project. Carving Round Objects is Hard for me and you have a Bunch of Round Objects. Should be a Fun Project. Merle

Ha, Merle, talking about round objects...one characteristic of Gibbons' work is peas in pods, and there is a large pod with a number of peas in this project. I've elected to carve each pea separately to be inserted in the pod. Am I a glutton for punishment, or what?

[Scott.L]

I took a class with Alexander Grabovetskiy about two years ago, this style is pretty much all he does. He has videos on YouTube and personal website were he teaches online classes. Was a great class but not my cup of tea if you will. This is what I made during the 5 days. The class I attended was at Mark adams school of woodworking (Fantastic school).

As you can see I never finished it, but one day I will.

Looking forward to seeing your finished project Arthur.

[Arthur C.]

Scott, Grabovetskiy is one of the most talented carvers in the world today. I follow him on YouTube and would love to take classes with him, but that's not in the cards for me. I hope you do finish your carving, it looks like you're well on the way.

[Nebraska]

Arthur C.

Been thinking of doing some contemporary projects. Looking at this has me thinking of a multi piece project of detailed contemporary shapes.

[Arthur C.]

Arthur C.

Been thinking of doing some contemporary projects. Looking at this has me thinking of a multi piece project of detailed contemporary shapes.

Ed, that sounds interesting...please elaborate on "contemporary shapes": are you thinking abstract, geometric, realistic, or what? Integrated into a single mass or sited separately? Now you have me thinking!

[Nebraska]

I’m thinking flowing abstract shapes with lots of incorporated fine details carved in sections or clusters and then brought together to form cohesive piece.

[Just Carving]

I give you a lot of credit Arthur. I'm familiar with Gibbons' work and as patient as I am and as capable of carving thin and fragile wood, I'll stick to my bears, thank you!

I wish you good luck and lots of patience!

BobL

[NoDNA]

Arthur : I thought I was "????" That is a great one to get to. At most my Moose is just a flat board!!
Thanks for showing this.. I shall watch you on this one.
Chuck