My Very First Wood Carving: "Basswood on Basswood" - 7" x 8" Live Edge Basswood Plank Carving

 "Basswood on Basswood" - 7" x 8" Live Edge Basswood Plank Carving

Here's a little history of how I came to carve this piece . . .

Two years ago, I found a small set of carving tools in my husband's all-purpose work room in the basement.  They looked interesting, and I had done some clay carving, during my pursuit of a BFA at the Art Institute of Chicago, and later when I created the prototypes for some plaster figurines for the Ann's Figurines in Bellwood, IL.  But that was all a long, long time ag0.  And I wasn't even sure if my clay carving skills would translate to wood.  But I was curious enough to pursue the idea.  So I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a small Walnut Hallow Basswood Plank.  Came home and started carving.  

Two months later, it was completed and on display on a counter in my kitchen.  My husband was especially appreciative since he is actually the co-owner of a new & used woodworking machinery distributor ship, and has a strong appreciation for wooden objects, both hand-made and manufactured.  And I honestly don't know why I hadn't attempted something similar a lot sooner, but I am grateful that I gave it a try.  And there is something about the process of creating art on to a live edge slab of wood that really appealed to me.

I have several additional pieces that I have started, but it's been hard for me to find the time to complete them, because right now I am devoting most of my studio time to my colored pencil work.  

But I will post some of my "works in progress" on wood sometime later this fall.  Which is when I hope to be able to set aside some extra time to return to this new medium, and see what comes of it.