I’ve decided to carve a bust of a Buffalo Soldier for this series. As figures of Blacks are few and far between it should be a good challenge. In this part we change our generic cowboy head into the shape we can use for our soldier. Hopefully, my comments about the various features of Blacks and their difference from other races will not result in Al Sharpton nor Jesse Jackson showing up at my shop door complaining about my being racist. Just in case I’d better hide those white sheets I keep around to cover works in process!
I don't know exactly where the Buffalo Soldiers served, so I guess I need to study some. I know he will make a fine bust, and I really like the cavalry uniform and hat. That yellow scarf adds a pop of color as well. He will be a great figure. It is hard to be honest and still politically correct these days, I think you did a pretty good job....and those beads of sweat on your brow and neck didn't show up too prominently on the video unless you were looking for them.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are funny!!! lol Politically correct...sweat on your brow...lol You guys are decent human beings who are trying not to hurt or offend another human being. :) Enough said.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how things gravitate toward what you focus on. I picked up a book by Leonard Lee, who created Lee Valley Tools, on sharpening. In the beginning of the book, he goes over how a tool cuts wood. He makes a point about the shape of the blade and how making a slicing motion like you demonstrated around the neck Lynn makes cleaner cuts. That chapter alone was worth the price of the book to me.
Now I know Lynn that this is not a beginners website, but....
you did a video about cutting and the grain. I would think that the grain would be something a carver needs to learn early on.
Similarly, I can't help think that sharpening is important too and for the same reason as the grain video. Would it be at all possible to show and explain how you go about sharpening your blades, the tools you use and your thoughts about what makes a blade sharp and why and how it should be sharpened? Maybe a separate video or an explanation when you sharpen your blades before you do detail in something like the eyes, maybe...please? Pretty Please??? Pretty Pretty Please... with icing on top?!!! lol :)
I did a search on sharpening and watched some other videos, but, arghhh!!! so confusing. One guy says lay the blade flat, another guy says to get the angle, lift it to the height of a dime. Then there is micro-bevels and this way and that way. But, to be honest, when you carve Lynn, one can see your blades are sharp when the rubber meets the road, as the blades are cutting the wood. The Lee' book has taken my knowledge light years from where it was before even though I haven't finished it so far. Yet, it would be nice to see what you do.
Lastly, I gave it some thought about your comment on expanding your horizons/style. Making your carvings larger surely will force you to carve more detail and force you to make finer distinctions. It is amazing how a master knows what he does not know.
Thanks once again Lynn, Judy and Kent and other subscribers for making this blog a pleasure to read. Jim
This will make a great caricature study.
ReplyDeleteFor those unfamiliar: The Buffalo Soldiers were formed after the end of Civil War from the "negro troops" that served in the conflict. They were stationed from Montana to Mexico to help supress the Indian wars from 1866. When not fighting Indians, they built roads, telegraph lines & escorted wagon trains and cattle drives across the plains. Regiments also fought in Cuba during the War with Spain and participated in the famous charge on San Juan Hill. Troopers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment rode with General John J. Pershing during the expedition in Mexico in search of Pancho Villa. In 1944, the end came to the horse cavalry regiments and the curtain was lowered on twhat was the long and glorious past of "The Buffalo Soldiers".