Post #109196 by Aaron's Akua on Thu, Aug 19, 2004 2:05 PM

Rodeotiki,

The sketch looks great. I'm no expert, but here's a few things I've figured out about half way through my first wood tiki. I started out by outlining the whole design on the outer surface of the log, then began to go deeper and deeper, maintaining the "sketch" outlines as I went. I know now that this was a waste of time. I've developed a plan for the next one (take this with a grain of salt and do whatever works well for you):

1. start with a 2-view sketch (front and side views).
2. Try to "profile" the log out using the side view.
3. From the front, start with the most prominent and "highest" features (nose, eyebrows, etc.)
4. Once these are fairly set, make a smooth level surface for the next series of cuts (lips, ears, etc.
5. Teeth will be last, cause they are the deepest.
6. Save the real detailing for last, or it will just end up getting carved away.

No point in outlining/carving the deep stuff til you bring the log down to that level. And its best to go deep, deep, deep! Having looked through most of the beginner posts, I think the most common beginner mistake is to make the design too shallow.

Another thing I learned is that the sketch need not be too detailed. It all gets tweeked as you go, & there's no use spending a huge amount of time making a super precise sketch. Benzart's right - they all look like sh*t at different stages, but it all comes together in the end. Take your time, and most importantly have fun!

I'm just a beginner, but thought I'd share my observations so far. Take it for what it's worth. Am I on track? I'll soon find out on my next carving. Any other TC'ers have tips or thoughts to share on the "roughing-out" process?

I know what you mean about getting hooked. Tiki carving is highly addictive.

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"Ah, good taste! What a dreadful thing! Taste is the enemy of creativeness."
-Pablo Picasso

[ Edited by: Aaron's Akua on 2004-08-19 14:07 ]