Put the final touches to this reprobate yesterday. Took a few liberties by adding some real hair (horse hair actually!) which really brings him to life. I also repainted his upraised arm and sword to make the piece a little more acceptable if that's possible. I left a little on his outer tunic to show just how bad he really is. The AK47 turned out real nice and I added a leather strap otherwise it would look strange as nothing would be holding it to his body. The list of things he doesn't approve of is made from aluminum flashing. I burnished the surface, sprayed it with acid etching primer and then white before fan-folding it prior to lettering on the words. I nailed it down under his foot and epoxied it to his hand after a bit of antiquing.
In adding the hair I had carved the hat indentation deeper than normal so it would bend down the hair when pressed in place. That worked out pretty good. For the mustache I cut a length of hair and glued it in place by forcing it up into a hole I drilled directly under his nose. This also bent the hair down on each side which looks nice. I really like the idea of mixing materials as you can only achieve so much with wood. It also just adds that extra something that brings him to life.
This was a fun piece to do and am sure it will be a hit when displayed. Hopefully it will show others that it's good to push the envelope to try new techniques and maybe be a little controversial occasionally even if it might cause offence to some. Life on this planet consists of many things both good and bad and there is no reason we shouldn't confront them in any way we can.
So, I hope you like him as much as I do and I'll look forward to your comments.
Oh.....almost forgot! Once I receive the photos of the others who took up the challenge I'll post them here.
What an excellent carving. And the added features does animate Abdul (or any carving) much better than trying to do it all in wood. I'm much in favor of doing that despite what the purists say. This carving should offend no body with any sense of humor and you've accomplished that with great artistry.
ReplyDeleteI like it...
ReplyDeleteThe execution is perfect, and the details are superb.
And the humour is perfect.
Again, you have raised the bar. I too like the hair and other materials, makes the effect of the carving that much better.....keep it up we love to see what you innovate and create
ReplyDeleteWow Lynn you really nailed this one! Outstanding carving, think I've said this before but I think THIS one is my favourite one yet !!! Fantastic detail and the hair is great, humour is spot on!! Great carving Lynn , keep up the good work. Trev
ReplyDeleteWhew! I was never so glad to be left out as when I learned I wasn't named on Abdul's list!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning. Amazing workmanship.
I think it was a wise choice to redo the paint scheme on the sword given the recent news out Abdul's corner of the world.
A very amusing and well done take on a very serious subject Lynn. I think you could have well left the blood on the sword as it can't be any worse than what we are reading and seeing in the news every day.
ReplyDelete