Post #347137 by Bali_Dan on Sat, Dec 1, 2007 10:41 AM

Even though I haven't posted in awhile, I have been busy. I said I would post progress picks of the moai, and that is what I will do. I really haven't been able to do much of the outdoor carving so they have been going a little slow. Plus I wanted to have two of them to sit on each side of our swing so I started another one. Here they are:

I still need to finish the mouth on each of them and sand them down real well.
But while I haven't been doing the large carvings on the big logs, I have been working in the shop doing some masks (at least that is what I am calling them). Though I posted some in the past, I really didn't like them. These are my next attempt.

From these the next two were inspired:

The next couple I am upset about. I think I screwed up. I was real inspired by Ken Pleasant's work, and I drew up two Witco inspired pieces. I had a piece of yellow pine 2x10 and that is what I used. After carving them and thinking that they looked great, I started doing more research on Witco, and realized that unlike a moai image, Witco is Copyrighted. I wish I had done my research before I did the work. So this will be the only image of these two masks, as I think I am going to burn them. I do apologize Ken, I am not saying they are as good as yours, I just don't want to step on anyones toes.

The next one was my first attempt at a marquesan (sp.). I took it from pictures on the internet, from a Tiki mug, and from an absolute love of Basement Kahuna's awsome work. I know its not as good as BK's work but I just had to try one. Here it is:

The last image is of a wall hanging I have just started. I had a chunk of tiger maple that was two inches thick. I drew an image of a Tang and cut it out. I then split the wood in half, to give me two matching tangs. I plan on setting them with their backs together and then mount them on a nice background and then frame it. I won't be able to work on this one much as my Dremel just burned up and I am not the best at the chisel. In fact you guys here at TC could help. What tool do I buy next? I am considering the Foredom or the Mastercarver brand. Heres the pick of the twin tangs:

I hope you guys like the pics. I really hope I haven't stepped on anyones toes and I look forward to your replies, advice, criticism, or anything else you would like to say to me.