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| One unusual project for me is shown on the photo to the right. This fireplace mantel piece was carved in 2002 out of a squared off log of Butternut. It was to be set in a log cabin. The scene depicts a deciduous forest floor covered by leaf debris. Wildlife hides and crawls beneath the leafy protection. A box turtle, a beetle, a skink and a rattle snake complete the composition. It complements the owner's logging office well as shown below. Private Collection Dublin, VA |
| The photo really fails to show the carving work, nevertheless, the office/cabin utilized to conduct everyday businesses looks good. |
I began this American Eagle project in early December 2002.
After completing sketches I began work the first week of
January 2003. Measuring nearly 72 inches in length it was
until then, the largest carving I had attempted. This project
broke the pattern I had set since my first carving was done 24
year ago. I was going to carve on a multiple wood block unit
and use an unfamiliar wood species, Aspen. The wood
lacked the attributes of beauty and quality rendered by the
tropical America species I was familiar with.
I was uncertain about this project, however my fears
dissipated soon after the chips began to fly all over the dining
room carpet. I carved that entire block inside my house,
because I did not have, at the time, a suitable place to work
away from the freezing temperatures.
After completing sketches I began work the first week of
January 2003. Measuring nearly 72 inches in length it was
until then, the largest carving I had attempted. This project
broke the pattern I had set since my first carving was done 24
year ago. I was going to carve on a multiple wood block unit
and use an unfamiliar wood species, Aspen. The wood
lacked the attributes of beauty and quality rendered by the
tropical America species I was familiar with.
I was uncertain about this project, however my fears
dissipated soon after the chips began to fly all over the dining
room carpet. I carved that entire block inside my house,
because I did not have, at the time, a suitable place to work
away from the freezing temperatures.
| Americana Eagle interpretation 2003. Private Collection Green Bank, WV |
On November 2003 I began sketching out an idea that had been crawling inside my head after the stunning events
that unfolded on 9-11-2001.
On this project I felt free to carry on unrestrained. I had to please no one other than myself. The work required was
challenging and the most complex I have undertaken to date. I was only limited by the wood I was able to obtain,
particularly evident in the torso section of the carving, where the limiting shape of the laminated walnut blocks would
not allow modifications.
In the Summer of 2003 my family and I travelled to Petersburg, Alaska to visit with family and friends. I nearly burst
with joy at the sight before my eyes; Bald Eagles everywhere, what beauties! My Sister in law, Jane, had a gift
awaiting for me, a resin cast of a Bald Eagle skull. I was set on rollers. I had been fortunate to obtain a large number
of planks of Black Walnut from a dear friend and was assisted by another friend with the task of jointing and planing
of the boards. Once the multiple blocks were adhered to each other, I began the tedious carving process. The skull
resin cast, a Turkey Vulture feather, a talon resin cast and photo copies gathered from the Internet and bird field
guides served as my reference material. I named this piece "Virtuous Spirit".
This eagle is not intended to be an accurate representation of the Species, perhaps, it is a mere personal vision,
an expression of the power and mighty of a Nation's symbol.
that unfolded on 9-11-2001.
On this project I felt free to carry on unrestrained. I had to please no one other than myself. The work required was
challenging and the most complex I have undertaken to date. I was only limited by the wood I was able to obtain,
particularly evident in the torso section of the carving, where the limiting shape of the laminated walnut blocks would
not allow modifications.
In the Summer of 2003 my family and I travelled to Petersburg, Alaska to visit with family and friends. I nearly burst
with joy at the sight before my eyes; Bald Eagles everywhere, what beauties! My Sister in law, Jane, had a gift
awaiting for me, a resin cast of a Bald Eagle skull. I was set on rollers. I had been fortunate to obtain a large number
of planks of Black Walnut from a dear friend and was assisted by another friend with the task of jointing and planing
of the boards. Once the multiple blocks were adhered to each other, I began the tedious carving process. The skull
resin cast, a Turkey Vulture feather, a talon resin cast and photo copies gathered from the Internet and bird field
guides served as my reference material. I named this piece "Virtuous Spirit".
This eagle is not intended to be an accurate representation of the Species, perhaps, it is a mere personal vision,
an expression of the power and mighty of a Nation's symbol.
Virtuous Spirit spans 91 inches from wing tip to wing tip and 40 inches from head top to the
heart shaped shield on which it stands. This carving obtained the first place blue ribbon in
the interpretive novice division at the 2004 Ward World Wildfowl Carving Competition in
Ocean City, MD. It also received the third place yellow ribbon "Best in Show" novice class.
Further work was done after the competition to conceal the single aluminum rod that
supports the heart shape seal by running two rods throughout the legs and into the body
and base which allowed the removal of the center rod. More feathers were also added in the
vent area to achieve the intended look. On the photo below one can notice the changes
discussed above.
heart shaped shield on which it stands. This carving obtained the first place blue ribbon in
the interpretive novice division at the 2004 Ward World Wildfowl Carving Competition in
Ocean City, MD. It also received the third place yellow ribbon "Best in Show" novice class.
Further work was done after the competition to conceal the single aluminum rod that
supports the heart shape seal by running two rods throughout the legs and into the body
and base which allowed the removal of the center rod. More feathers were also added in the
vent area to achieve the intended look. On the photo below one can notice the changes
discussed above.
| Receiving awards from Executive Director Mr. Kenneth Basile at the Ward World Wildfowl Woodcarving Competition in Ocean City, Maryland 2004, a first place Interpretive Division novice class and a third place Best in Show novice class. |
| Did you know? The Bald Eagle, (Haliaetus leucocephalus), is the only eagle restricted to America. Bald Eagles are seldom found very far away from water sources. They are considered fish eagles. Not a true eagle as is the Golden Eagle, (Aquila chrysaetos). |
| For comments about this website E-mail jose@birdofwood.com or birdofwood@yahoo.com |
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Photo by José Rodríguez-Vélez
Photo by H. Morton
A view of the changes done to
the vent/tail area discussed
above. The addition of
inserted feather coverts and
redesign of seal supporting
configuration. Two steel rods
run from the seal/base
through the legs and enter the
body.
the vent/tail area discussed
above. The addition of
inserted feather coverts and
redesign of seal supporting
configuration. Two steel rods
run from the seal/base
through the legs and enter the
body.
| "Wingelmina" A folk art banded chicken hen made out of White Pine. J&L Rittenhouse G.B, W.V |
| Angelina A Primitive Art interpretation of a chicken. Sturdy enough to be used as a door stop. Carved out of a Black Walnut round with applied pegged Black Walnut head. E & B Sheets G.B. , W.V. |