Fundamentals
of Figure Carving
by Ian Norbury
Hardcover
220 x 295mm
160pp
Published by Stobart Davies, Hertford, UK
R.R.P.$53.90
ISBN 1-86108-011-5
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 62
Fundamentals of Figure Carving is a textbook on the art of carving the human figure in wood. It is an examination of the body, both male and female, an exhaustive study of detail and a discussion of carving techniques as applied to the human form. Its author, lan Norbury, is a world-renowned carver, teacher and writer who has taught around the world, including Australia, and has written numerous articles and books on the subject of woodcarving.
The book begins with a short overview of the tools used, the holding devices required and the sharpening process to be mastered before any carving should take place. Timber selection and finishing techniques are also discussed. Although all these subjects are covered lightly, they are intended only as an introduction, not as a course in the basics, since the book quickly moves on to understanding the human figure.
A male head is the first project. The means by which one views and understands the shape of the object is carefully laid out - how to photograph the head, to sketch it from all sides, the ideals of proportion and symmetry, and, most importantly, how to transfer this information to a piece of timber and cut out the basic shape.
Once the head is cut out, the process of carving begins. Covering a full 20 pages, the author leads you through each part of the male head with analysis of the cuts made, always examining the reasons why by returning to the original form. This incorporates the study of the model from which the photos where taken, using close up images of the individual parts to be carved, the ears, nose, eyes, and following through, in many instances, with step-by-step cuts. illustrations of the muscular structure beneath the skin are given to help develop an understanding of the underlying form that determines the visible facial appearance.
Another ten pages cover the female head and the differences between the male and female shape, even in the head. The following chapters cover the basic male and female figures, and a variety of poses, frequently referring to skeletal and muscular structure to aid in analysis of shapes. The techniques of observation, designing, cutting and carving which began with the male head, are added to with each new project, as the book progresses.
Fundamentals of Figure Carving then discusses the steps in designing your own figure and closes with a collection of human poses and finished carvings. Fundamentals of Figure Carving is a classic textbook on carving the human form and could be considered essential reading for anyone interested in this type of carving.
Photos: Black & White
Contents
Introduction
Tools
Holding Devices
Sharpening
Ttimber
Finishing
The Male Head
The Female Head
The Male Figure
The Female Figure
Jazz Dancer
Creating your own Figure
Measured Projects
Posed Figures