The Chief

Well, he's done and I think I'll put him in my "Classic" folder as he measures up as an example of my best work.  Since the last post I added the side drops and rosettes to the headress which completes the picture. With the base he measures just over 12".  Another thing you might notice is that he is  a borderline caricature....the features might be a little exaggerated but the piece still looks quite realistic.  This is one of the best things I personally like about it as it shows I'm still growing and continue to expand the envelope.  While I still love doing the funny stuff  I'm finding that I also like leaving that path occasionally and striking off in the direction of reality!

I still want to do a complete figure using the techniques I've learned with this one  Being able to see the spaces or open areas between the various details really adds to the overall appeal of a carving.  I have a buffalo skull laying idle on my work bench that was done quite some time back that just might  be incorporated into a piece with a full war bonnet.  I think that would present a great challenge with a beautiful result.  We'll see.

Anyway, hope you like what you see and as always your comments are welcome and appreciated.  Lots of photos in the Gallery.