Sculpted Coral Reef and Freshwater Aquatic Animals
All of my pieces are handcrafted using the CHIP CARVING method of woodcarving.
While my marine and aquatic life pieces are chip carved using many of the patterns and techniques found in traditional work, they are unique in several ways. In most cases, my carving covers the entire surface of the wood, from edge to edge. The profile of each specimen is irregularly shaped and the surface of the sculpted piece flows in convex and concave directions. Chip carving on sculpted surfaces presents numerous challenges. But the results are worth it!
In addition to their body shapes, fin structure, eye and mouth position, and other physical characteristics, I work to imitate the natural areas of color or texture found on the real fish in nature. This is done using carved designs, patterns, organic forms, and other chip carving motifs that compliment the natural patterns on the fish. Embellishing and emphasizing certain subtleties in a in a particular fish's appearance , serves to bring out its natural beauty.
In many cases, as is the case with the French Angelfish (above) I use little or no paint, dye, or stain. When properly done, chip carved pieces often look better when they're left "natural", allowing light and shadow to highlight the designs and showcase the sense of precision that's inherent in this kind of carving. In this particular case, I applied a "splash" of reddish-orange color to the small flower on the rear dorsal fin. It seems like it's just enough to give this fish the sense of elegance and self-confidence it demands in nature.
.Even though patterns carved on the body of a given subject imitate the areas where color or texture
variations are actually found in that species, some (such as this Rainbow Trout) do call for paint or stain to highlight them and further differentiate them from some of their "close cousins".
Having done a good deal of scuba diving on some the World's best coral reefs, and having raised and maintained hundreds of saltwater fish, invertebrates, and corals over a number of years, I believe that nothing in our natural world is more diverse and beautiful than these creatures. I feel blessed to have discovered a way to bring them to life in a new way, each with its own unique appearance, using nothing more than a small chip carving knife and a piece of wood.
My carvings are now available for purchase. If you have an interest in a coral reef fish, aquatic fish, or turtle of any kind that's not shown in the Photo Gallery or Details page, or if you would like a different color or presentation of what you do see there, please send me a note using theSend a Note page to let me know what you have in mind. I'll be more than happy to discuss your ideas and develop a plan for creating your own unique Piece of Art.
Yellow Tang. I had to paint these yellow. It wouldn't be right otherwise!
All of my pieces are handcrafted using the CHIP CARVING method of woodcarving.
While my marine and aquatic life pieces are chip carved using many of the patterns and techniques found in traditional work, they are unique in several ways. In most cases, my carving covers the entire surface of the wood, from edge to edge. The profile of each specimen is irregularly shaped and the surface of the sculpted piece flows in convex and concave directions. Chip carving on sculpted surfaces presents numerous challenges. But the results are worth it!
In addition to their body shapes, fin structure, eye and mouth position, and other physical characteristics, I work to imitate the natural areas of color or texture found on the real fish in nature. This is done using carved designs, patterns, organic forms, and other chip carving motifs that compliment the natural patterns on the fish. Embellishing and emphasizing certain subtleties in a in a particular fish's appearance , serves to bring out its natural beauty.
In many cases, as is the case with the French Angelfish (above) I use little or no paint, dye, or stain. When properly done, chip carved pieces often look better when they're left "natural", allowing light and shadow to highlight the designs and showcase the sense of precision that's inherent in this kind of carving. In this particular case, I applied a "splash" of reddish-orange color to the small flower on the rear dorsal fin. It seems like it's just enough to give this fish the sense of elegance and self-confidence it demands in nature.
.Even though patterns carved on the body of a given subject imitate the areas where color or texture
variations are actually found in that species, some (such as this Rainbow Trout) do call for paint or stain to highlight them and further differentiate them from some of their "close cousins".
Having done a good deal of scuba diving on some the World's best coral reefs, and having raised and maintained hundreds of saltwater fish, invertebrates, and corals over a number of years, I believe that nothing in our natural world is more diverse and beautiful than these creatures. I feel blessed to have discovered a way to bring them to life in a new way, each with its own unique appearance, using nothing more than a small chip carving knife and a piece of wood.
My carvings are now available for purchase. If you have an interest in a coral reef fish, aquatic fish, or turtle of any kind that's not shown in the Photo Gallery or Details page, or if you would like a different color or presentation of what you do see there, please send me a note using theSend a Note page to let me know what you have in mind. I'll be more than happy to discuss your ideas and develop a plan for creating your own unique Piece of Art.
Yellow Tang. I had to paint these yellow. It wouldn't be right otherwise!
