ORNAMENTAL WOODCARVER Patrick Damiaens: CARVING A GREEN MAN | Creating a GREEN MAN in Limewood

Sunday 21 October 2012

CARVING A GREEN MAN | Creating a GREEN MAN in Limewood | CARVED GREEN MAN

Green Man carving

Patrick Damiaens

Ornamental Woodcarver

GREEN MAN CARVING

The different phases for creating a GREEN MAN in Limewood.

1 - The first job is to make a rough outline sketch using a red. The pattern may come from an original model (provided that any imperfections in it are removed), or a personal creation. My source was the Bamberg Green Man.

2 - The rough sketch of the Green Man is then completely rubbed out. The exact shape however, which is thickened with a lead pencil , is still preserved. Possible changes can still be done at this stage. This phase is very important (because a poor drawing automatically means a poor end result).

3 - The correct design is redrawn on tracing paper and at the same time fixed onto the wood by means of drawing pins. The design is then transferred onto the wood using tracing paper and a scriber.The pattern of the Green Man can now be found on the wood.

Drawing of a Green Man

4 - Now we clue the limewood on a plate (MDF,..), the newspaper between wood and plate ensures us that the connection (when the Green Man is finished) will be smoothly.

5 - The actual carving can now take place. This phase is called modeling. Many years of study and in-depth experience are of crucial importance during this phase.

6 - This is the stage where we begin to notice the importance of being a good drawer. During the modeling stages the original drawing disappears. The pattern on the panel is later redrawn by means of a marker.

7 - The carving outlines are traced correctly. At this stage wood chisels are used for drawing purposes. One should be careful not to carve into the surface, leaving the possibility to make some minor alterations when necessary.

8 - Excess wood surrounding the design is removed.

Carving of a Green Man

Carving a Green Man in Limewood

9 - This is the most important phase of the pattern, Green Man. Ornaments are measured to perfection. A proper understanding of the depth and character of the ornament and the ability to estimate the maximum depth of the ornament (Green Man) are essential, as are routine and experience in handling the material.

The use of plaster models and visual material can be very useful during this stage.