Wood Spirit Carving Tips & Tricks
Wood spirit carving is a form of woodworking in which distorted or caricatured forms of the human face are formed. Natural elements such as wind, water, trees and animals are often integrated into these detailed sculptures. The form and style of these carvings offer unlimited possibility, enabling the sculptor use all of their imagination, skill and creativity to create this work of art.
Wood
There are a variety of woods that can be used for wood-spirit carving. Each wood can be manipulated using carving styles and techniques geared toward its hardness, density, grain type and color. The main woods that are used for spirit carving are basswood (also known as American lime), butternut (sometimes called white walnut), mahogany, jelutong and obeche.
Practice
If you are new to carving wood spirits, it is well worth using odd scraps of wood to practice on before attempting your first sculpture. Practice using your chosen wood and carving implements, so that you can become accustomed to these tools. Using a test block is also useful for more experienced carvers as they can practice new techniques, styles and forms to ensure work on the final wood spirit carving is of higher quality.
Pencil
Before carving each element of the wood sculpture, use a pencil to outline its exact location and the form that it will take on. This will enable you to gauge appropriate sizes and locations before and carving into the wood takes place.
Eyes
Carve the eyes of your wood spirit carving first. This is one of the most important features around which you can construct the rest of the face.
Nose
The nose is usually an integral part of a wood-spirit carving. This feature is usually enlarged greatly to allow its projection from the face to provide a focal point. Elongating and widening the nose enhances the depth of the nostrils, adding greater intrigue to the sculpture.
Hair
The hair usually forms the borders of the sculpture. Smooth, undulating forms can be created within the hair which can highlight the natural beauty of the wood. Its simple texture contrasts and enhances the detailed and intricate nature of other areas of the face.
