Manatee (WIP)

[BobbyD]

Hello everyone, Here is a piece that I am working on at the moment. The person that commissioned it, wanted it doing a "tail stand", so this is what I have come up with so far. I will post more pics when it's finished. Let me know what you think!
I started out with this clay mock up (The first three pics), then later changed it, due to customers request (last two).

[Tom Ellis]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Bobby, I guess I have never seen a Manatee do a tail stand, but this is going to be great when you get it done.

Tom

[BobbyD]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Here are more progress pics. It is two pieces of cherry laminated together, with the (kelp/seaweed) carved out of African blackwood.

[BobbyD]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

More progress pics.

[BobbyD]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

This is where I am with it so far. More pics to come!

[Curtscarving]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

looking good

[Inadv]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Bobby,

Very good!!! You have captured the essence of the beast in this excellent carving. I have been saving reference photos for a spell now and feel certain that I'll be doing a few of "sea cows" in the not too distant future. They are surely some fascinating creatures.

Thank you for posting it in stages, and I hope you'll share the finished project with us as well.

L.P.

[carver33]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Looking good - very nice job.

[Bob K.]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Looking real good...great work!

[BobbyD]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Thanks everyone for the kind replies. My plan for the finished piece is, the manatee will be mounted on a maple base, with blackwood kelp flowing around it. I should be done in a few days.

[Mark Dellinger]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Booby,
This is coming along very nicely. Keep the pics coming.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Inadv]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Bobby,

I'm not certain of this, and it is entirely possible that I'm wrong, but I don't think that kelp is found in waters that the manatees inhabit. You may want to check into the aquatic plants common in manatee habitat. I know they are strictly vegetarian and often found in brackish waters near mangroves. Your carving looks great and I'm anxious to see the finished project.

L.P.

[BobbyD]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Bobby,

I'm not certain of this, and it is entirely possible that I'm wrong, but I don't think that kelp is found in waters that the manatees inhabit. You may want to check into the aquatic plants common in manatee habitat. I know they are strictly vegetarian and often found in brackish waters near mangroves. Your carving looks great and I'm anxious to see the finished project.

L.P.

I think you are right. With this piece, I am taking some creative license and not going with full realism. The "kelp" will be an indistinct aquatic plant to ad something extra to the composition. Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it!

[Patrick]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Bobby,

Marvelous. Like Larry the Manatee has a special place with me also. Looking forward to following along to the finish.

Again, grand work.

[BobBlaney]

Re: Manatee (WIP)

Very nice work. Making the clay model for the client was a good idea. Gives them the info on what they will see.

A word of caution, I notice you grinding or sanding the cherry figure without wearing safety glasses. Your eyes are too precious for that. Please practice safe carving.