Post #302434 by flynny on Sat, Apr 28, 2007 12:50 AM

Hi Guys n Gals
Well the time came to have a go at one of my favourite styles the "Hei Tiki". As we all know, we are spolit by the work some superb stone carvers, it ain't finished yey by a long shot, so for all the advice and assistance I dedicate this one to you.
I did a little favour for the rock collector who lives next door, one of the pieces he gave me was a piece of Transvaal or African Jade, only a small piece, but I was blown away by the colours and patterns. Here's the rough piece, take no notice of the rough scribblings, it's just to give me an idea of style (note the flaw on the back)

front

I really take my hat off to you guys who do this for a living, so here goes:-

So far this piece has given me no end of grief, It went at the flaw whilst trimming, but I don't mind that as it will give it an aged look???? honest.
I still can't master carving detail with water obscuring the piece (ran too close on the mouth and to top it all my insets were quite tight and in trying to remove one eye, I flicked it across the workshop with the needle, it seems this one was slightly oval and I'm going to have to remake the eye. But I love the colours. I'm quite pleased with the progress.
Advice, critique (someone to nip over from down south to help finish??)

Thanks for looking guys n gals
Flynny
a.k.a. Luke the stone scaper