Fine
Art of Carving Lovespoons
Understanding,
Designing and Carving Romantic Heirlooms
by David Western
Softcover
215 x 280mm
186pp
Published by Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., East Petersburg PA USA
R.R.P.$37.90
ISBN 978-1-56523-374-4
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 147
The lovespoon is believed to have originated from the simple soup spoon. Just why anyone got the idea of converting such a plain and utilitarian item into an article of dedication and devotion, is hard to say.
Yet the process appears to have occurred in several countries, for the Scandinavians, Europeans, Africans and (most famously) the Welsh, all have the tradition of carving lovespoons as a token of love and affection.
The lovespoon is made from a single piece of wood and although it may be so richly decorated as to no longer be able to serve as a spoon, the spoon shape is essential to its design.
David Western, the author of this book, sees lovespoon carving as 'a vibrant and exciting art form, not only because of its beautiful carvings, but also because of its rich tradition and its relevance to modern times'.
David begins his book with what he terms an Historical Perspective, tracing the history of the lovespoon and indicating how the student may gain further insights into their design.
Chapter 2 explores Myths and Meanings - the symbology of lovespoons - while Chapter 3 presents a wide range of examples of the lovespoons being made today.
Chapters 4 to 8 cover the basics of the art, from selection of wood and the choice and care of tools, to the kinds of finishing generally used.
The next three Chapters provide step by step instructions for carving several lovespoons, from novice through to advanced.
Chapter 12 offers advice on design, while the last Chapter contains patterns for 16 Lovespoons, each with photo/s, a line drawing and description.
Lovespoon carving is clearly challenging, but as the many generations of lovespoon carvers would no doubt agree, it is also rewarding.
About the Author: David Western constantly endeavors to expand the artistic boundaries of lovespoon carving. David was born in Cardiff, Wales, and now resides in Victoria, B.C., Canada. A self-taught carver, David graduated from the London College of Furniture with certification in cabinetmaking and advanced furniture design. He also holds a degree in education from the Llniversity of British Columbia. While running a cabinetmaking shop in Victoria, David's casual interest in Welsh lovespoons grew into an overwhelming passion. Carving lovespoons to order is now his liveIihood. David also teaches lovespoon carving at Camosun College in Victoria. David specializes in complicated and delicate Celtic knotwork. He also draws ideas from Art Deco, Northwest Coast First Nations, and Islamic art forms when creating his unique designs. He keeps a foot firmly in tradition though: each of his spoons is handcarved from a single piece of wood. All of David's spoons also demonstrate the deep passion and commitment that separate genuine lovespoons from mere souvenirs.
Photos: Colour
Contents
Preface by Dr. Emma Lile
Introduction
Part
One: Lovespoons Then & Now
Chapter One: Historical Perspective
Chapter Two: Myths and Meanings
Chapter Three; Lovespoons Today
Part
Two: The Basics
Chapter Four: Wood
Chapter Five: Tools
Chapter
Six: Sharpening
Chapter Seven; Technique
Chapter Kight: Finishing
Part
Three: Lovespoon Carving
Chapter Nine: Carving a Novice Lovespoon
Chapter Ten: Carving an Intermediate Lovespoon
Chapter Eleven: Carving an Advanced Lovespoon
Part
Four: Designs & Patterns
Chapter Twelve: Designing a Lovespoon
Chapter Thirteen: Patterns
Sources