If I Only Had a Brain!

6/26/2019

And now the time consuming part of the project, and that is to crave a head. It is always slow and steady for me when doing something like this. The first thing is that I am using a block of Tupelo wood because it is lighter than basswood. This head will spin around when done so lighter is better. Also I need to cut a larger cavity in it and I prefer to machine these kinds of space and Tupelo machines very nicely. A large block of Tupelo is a bit of investment so you don't want to rush things and screw up!

Here are a few shots of cutting a cavity for this person's inner most thoughts.

Next you can see the little cage in place that will contain the thoughts in his mind.

The next step is the slow process of carving the face, trying to maintain symmetry, trying to capture some expression of personality and trying to make him or her actually look human. This will take some time. No rushing here. Not my best skill by a long shot!

3 Comments

Steven Fischer

6/26/2019 06:09:14 pm

I can already picture his inner thoughts! Al I love your wood carvings and can't wait to see what this mellow fellow will look like!

William Wigley

6/28/2019 07:01:49 am

Looking at the cage that holds the inner most thoughts. It looks like the protective cover of an industrial drop light. Is this a repurposed item or your own creation?

Al conquergood

6/28/2019 08:11:36 am

It’s actually a leaf screen that goes into a downspout. I wanted something a little smaller than a bulb cover. I was going to make my own out of brass but chose this route instead. I cut the bends off the bottom and reshaped it a little. I will use a wooden plate to fill the little hole in the top.

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