New Relief Carving

[pallin]

Here are the first cuts on the relief carving mentioned in my recent thread on "Still Another Escher." The piece is basswood, 10-1/2" x 26" and the design is a lithograph by M. C. Escher called "Up and Down" which looks at a scene from two different viewpoints. The sky beyond the arches is the deepest level of the relief, so I've started there.

[Tommy Taylor]

Re: New Relief Carving

Looks like that's going to be very enjoyable Phil. I'll be looking forward to seeing it.

[pallin]

Re: New Relief Carving

This is the progress of the first day. I've shaped several of the arches in the lower scene and the deepest level (1/2 inch) behind the palm tree. This carving is going to be really fun!

[Jbarr]

Re: New Relief Carving

Looks like a good one I'll keep looking you keep posting

[markken5889]

Re: New Relief Carving

Hey Phil,

Very nice WIP. So when are you going to do "Relativity"? ; )

Mark

[pallin]

Re: New Relief Carving

"Relativity" has some similarities to this design (a scene viewed from multiple angles). Perhaps the big challenge would be the multiple stairs. I have a list of about a dozen Escher graphics that I'd like to carve, but "Relativity" isn't on the list - yet.
This present project is going well. I corrected an error I made in the lower stairway arch. There don't seem to be any insurmountable relief problems.

[pallin]

Re: New Relief Carving

Here are some closer views of the work I am doing on the lower scene. Note that the wall right of center slopes away at the top providing a little wood for carving the relief of the balcony and the door behind it. There will be a similar sloping away on the left to allow the girl to stand out and to separate the depth of the two stair flights.

[pallin]

Re: New Relief Carving

Here is the left side with the changes mentioned above. The two flights of stairs are at different depths and the space under the lower arch extends below the stair bannister. The upper bannister and balusters (vertical rods) may be reduced to incised lines. The window behind the girl has been defined. All of this is still just the lower half of the design,

[DiLeon]

Re: New Relief Carving

Wow that one looks super fun, your doing an awesome job on it!!!

[Simplyme]

Re: New Relief Carving

Simply amazing. I love to see your WIP...........Loving it!

[pallin]

Re: New Relief Carving

Thanks for the comments from those finding this interesting.
I have now moved into the upper scene - even though there are details to be finished in the lower part. The square in the center is the ceiling of the lower scene and the patio floor of the upper scene. I carved this down a level or two, then sloped the walls and columns to meet its edges. Then I started lowering the right part of the upper scene to background level.

[pallin]

Re: New Relief Carving

Continuing the carving of the upper scene, I have begun to define the stairs on the left, dropping the space between the two flights in order to leave some wood for the young man sitting on the stairs. I also put in the basement steps in the central patio.
For those interested in tools, most of this carving is done with Pfeil gouges. I use profiles matched to the curves in arches, etc. but the most useful has been a #2-20.

[Dan Wegiel]

Re: New Relief Carving

Hi Phil,
Enjoying watching this progress.
Dan

[Mimi]

Re: New Relief Carving

Thanks, Dan - and a belated Happy Birthday to YOU!

[RUssL.]

Re: New Relief Carving

Phil,

Your carvings are just wonderful, and watching the process is a joy.
Thank you for posting.
Russ