Carving
Facial Expressions
by Ian Norbury
Softcover
215 x 252mm
64pp
Published by Stobart Davies, Hertford, UK
R.R.P.$28.90
ISBN 0-85442-067-3
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 106
Woodcarvers, whether they be beginners or experienced will find Carving Facial Expressions an essential text for their library and workshop. Written by Ian Norbury, a woodcarver who specialises in figure sculpture and considered one of the world's leading exponents of wood sculpture, this book provides a wealth of information and illustrated examples on how to carve faces.
Norbury says his book is not concerned with the 'customs' of facial expressions which can mean one thing in one part of the world and something completely different in another. Rather, he wants to convey to other woodcarvers the 'road signs'’ of facial expressions that are easily recognised in the western world, such as the expressive face which, as time goes by, can become the quizzical raised eyebrow or the disapproving, downturned mouth.
To achieve this, the book has four clearly defined functions. First, to explain as briefly and as simply as possible, how facial expressions are formed. Second, to give a wide and varying range of facial expressions using different gender, ages and builds to give the carver a solid and basic repertoire. Third, some working examples of the range of expressions that the woodcarver will come across, such as angry, fearful, relaxed and happy. Finally, there is a range of works by Norbury and others to inspire the reader and show the incredibly lifelike and stunning results that can be achieved given time and experience.
While there is a wide variety of photographs to illustrate facial expressions and stages of carving, the reader must also rely on the accompanying text and this assumes a basic understanding of woodcarving. But as a companion to woodcarving technique and a reference point for a variety of facial expressions, this book is invaluable.
Photos: Black & White
Contents
Introduction
The Basic Face
The Expressive Face
The Exaggerated Expression
Range of Expressions
Working Examples