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Finding
Your Style
Patience is required when removing the bark. The natural form is concealed
and can be damaged if heavy equipment is used. A grinding
wheel is ideal for careful debarking.
Consider
leaving part of the piece untouched and have the sculpture
morph from the rough to the carved and finished piece. Areas
of the wood that have been underground or even under water
highlight contrasts—creating depth and dimension—and give
your sculpture a unique character. A natural finish shows
the wood's grain and the colors that are exposed
during carving, which make the piece one of a kind.
The
Importance of Sanding
The found wood piece can take on a fine-art quality if
it is properly sanded. Sanding opens up the wood's pores (exposing the inner wood's hidden characteristics and colors) so
that a smooth, flawless finish is achieved. Never underestimate
the importance of sanding! In fact, some pieces I have completed
have taken approximately 200 hours of sanding.
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Scout
is an example of a carving that gives new life and
purpose to an old tree. |
Second
Life For Trees
This program grew from my vision of creating living art and providing
historical trees with a "second life".
I carve the tree to
transform it into a sculpture that represents the natural,
cultural and ethnic heritage of a community. My intention
is to release the spiritual and ecological characteristics
of these venerable trees, thus providing a noble old tree
with a noble new life.
If
you have never used found wood for carving, the prospect may
be intimidating. Face the challenge and explore the endless
artistic and creative possibilities it provides you.
Adam
Connolly
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