Figure Carving in Wood
Human and Animal Forms
by Sara Wilkinson

Softcover
210 x 275mm
117pp

Published by Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd, East Sussex UK

R.R.P.$39.90

ISBN 1-86108-390-4

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Example head

Standing child with duck

Child with a duck

Mother and child

Extract from back cover of book:

Few things are more satisfying than cutting into a block of timber with hand tools to reveal a lifelike shape within. This book takes us through the whole creative process, from the initial idea to the finished work. Every stage is clearly illustrated with colour photographs, making this a thoroughly practical book as well as a source of inspiration. The emphasis throughout is on encouraging your own creativity - on bringing your own ideas to life, rather than copying someone else's.

This is the ideal introduction to figure carving, both human and animal, for those who are familiar with the basics of woodcarving and wish to make confident progress in producing their own original work.

About the Author: Sara Wilkinson trained in cabinetmaking and woodcarving at the London College of Furniture and has been carving and teaching for 20 years.

Photos: Colour

Contents

Acknowledgemnts
Safety

Introduction

Looking at carvings
Church carving
Choir stalls
Misericords
Bench ends
Figures and groups from the Victoria and Albert Museum
Later church carving

Preparation
Importance of anatomy
The subject
Using photographs
Altering the subject for carving
Alternative sources for inspiration
Drawing from imagination
Style
Drawing up for carving
The maquette
Timber and equipment for figure carving
Finishing

Carving the human head
Project: Example head
Comparing two portrait heads

Figures and groups
The single figure
Project: A detailed look at a straightforward figure: Standing child with duck
Project: A detailed look at a seated figure: Child with a duck
Carving a group
Project: Mother and child

Animal carving
Comparing styles
Project: A detailed look at a reclining animal: Tamworth sow and piglets
Project: A detailed look at a standing animal: A cow

Conclusion

Further reading
Some places to visit
About the author
Index