Post #440179 by Grand Poobah on Sun, Mar 15, 2009 5:14 PM

Thanks for looking. I thought I would give it another go. I had seen a thread where some master carvers had given some advice when carving. One person mentioned to attempt what you thought might be impossible (sorry if I misquote). I thought the advice was fantastic. I saw a picture of a tiki. I knew it would be difficult but I really wanted to challenge myself. I began to carve it and was well along. I am sure that many of you will recognize it is by Crazy Al. I then saw a thread where Al had mentioned that people had begun to copy his work and sell it. I felt really bad, and didn’t know if I should share it. I work with an art teacher who had told me that an artist will mimic the work of someone they admire and begin to adapt features that they like into their own designs. I hope that Al Evans or any other experienced carvers will excuse my lack of creativity in the design. I intend to only place in my backyard and create my own summer paradise. I thought I might change the design a bit so that it would at least attempt to infuse something different. The attempt was the use of scales. I had seen another carver use them in his work and I thought that they were amazing. I had drawn the scales on and began to rethink my ambitions. I remembered the advice and forged ahead. He is made out of pine. There are some rough parts that wished were smoother but I feel that I am learning a lot as I go. It has taken almost three months of my time. I have had to find time here and there between work, running my kids everywhere and remodeling a bathroom. It has been a great escape. Any advice, including designing, would be appreciated and again I hope that I have crossed any lines.

now on to the stain

I intend to darken up that shark and highlight the waves on the crest of the head.