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This is the first and largest scene I've done. It was completed back in 1997. As you can see in the associated photos there is a lot going on at the Gold Nugget. From Diamond Lil beckoning and newly arrived Cowboy to come up and test her brass bedsprings to the cheating cardshark reaching for the Ace stuffed in his pants cuff. Chang Li has the shirts all pressed and is making his delivery while the nester and his wife from out west of town are on their way home after completing their monthly resupply trip. The Banker doffs his hat to the Mayor;s wife while the chickens peck and scratch and dodge the traffic on Main Street. There's lots to see no matter where you look.
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One thing you might notice from the early photos of the construction is the disappearance of the Outhouse. While it was a neat little scene in it's own right I thought it was just too much for the overall project. It's removal also allowed me to square up the shape of the footprint which really made it a lot easier to transport and we ve carted it just about everywhere in the country. It now rests permanently in the Out West Gallery.
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Large scenes are fun to make but they take a long, long time. This one moved around the shop for over a year as I kept adding new pieces. There are a lot of small details which could easily stand alone, i.e., the Free Lunch setting on the bar. The leg of ham, the loaf of bread and chunk of cheese was really fun to put together. Even the painting above the door was fun and when it was finished I decided to add the transparent cloth over the lady as there was just too much detail to be Family Friendly. Oh well......I know whats under that gauze so I guess that will have to do.
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I'll go down and take a photo of the descriptive sign so you can see just who the characters are. Just remember, this was carved quite a while ago so I hope you'll admit that my carving has improved a little.
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Until then, your comments are always welcome.
Great job John Smith Anchorage Alaska
ReplyDeleteSeveral words come to mind when I see this scene; Fantastic, Amazing, Astounding.... Every little detail done with care and executed perfectly. Simply incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent creativity, as usual. You really set the mark pretty high for us to aim at Lynn. Thansk for the looks-
ReplyDeleteOnce again great work. the level of detail is stunning. how long did this take? Each scene could stand alone as a seperate carving, not just the lunch. How large is the entire piece? are the figures 9" tall? you said you transported it all over the country. How did you do that? Did you carry it as is or make a packing crate that the peice fit in?
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteThe more I look at your work the more impressive it gets for me. I can see why you haven't done a piece as large as the Gold Nugget Saloon since 1997. The attention to detail is phenominal, to say nothing of the time spent putting a piece this size together.
Your work has definately improved since you did the Saloon, not that it was too shabby back then. Most of us would be thrilled to carve at that level. It's just that your more recent work has taken your carvings to that extra level of realism.
You are not just a wood carver but a model maker and a miniature painter as well. What a rare combination of talents you have. All your work is of museum quality and I thank you for sharing your expertise with the rest of us.
Good news on your wrist, now old reliable will be back in action and the chips will be flying.
Cheers from Canada
Elliott
Lynn the cowboys are great Could you explain how you did the coffee pouring onto the fire Thank you John Smith Anchorage Alaska
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