What do YOU like about figure carving?

[immiketoo]

I love figure carving.  It fascinates me, especially faces and the human form.  Floral is cool but its a little rote for me.  Use this tool here, that tool there.  Formulaic.  A face or faces, are infinite in their variations and subtlety, and capturing that on leather is the challenge I like.  What about you?  What do you like best about figure carving?

I'd like to hear your thoughts.  Do you hate it?  Why?  Love it?  Tell us.  Want to try but don't know where to start?  Let's do this!

 

 

[ABHandmade]

I agree with you. I like carving figures because it is very individual and helps express myself. In any craft there should be some art, otherwise it turns into a boring occupation

[immiketoo]

Yes.  Its much like antique things.  They were often decorated simply because the COULD, and they are beautiful on account of it, regardless of their utilitarian nature.

 

[ABHandmade]

We think in one direction

[immiketoo]

Apparently nobody else does

[YinTx]

2 hours ago, immiketoo said:

Apparently nobody else does

Au contraire, my friend.  I really enjoy antiques, largely because they are often utilitarian and decorative.

I enjoy figure carving, because it is challenging and unique.   I look forward to being accomplished enough to combine many aspects of leather craft into my own style.  As you have seen, I have a long ways to go though!  Still just getting past the "howling mouse" phase.

Is it easier to start on large (say 8" + size) or small size (say 2-3" size) to learn?

YinTx

[DJole]

I like the dimensionality, the tactile surfaces. It's really low-relief sculpture. A 2d drawing is nice, but it's flat. Good tooling just begs to be touched. 

[immiketoo]

4 minutes ago, YinTx said:

Au contraire, my friend.  I really enjoy antiques, largely because they are often utilitarian and decorative.

I enjoy figure carving, because it is challenging and unique.   I look forward to being accomplished enough to combine many aspects of leather craft into my own style.  As you have seen, I have a long ways to go though!  Still just getting past the "howling mouse" phase.

Is it easier to start on large (say 8" + size) or small size (say 2-3" size) to learn?

YinTx

You have just found your business name.  Howling Mouse Leather!  As for size, some things are easier in larger format, others are easier in small format.  For example, eyes are easier when they're small.  A three inch wide eyeball is difficult where a half inch is easy.

 

3 minutes ago, DJole said:

I like the dimensionality, the tactile surfaces. It's really low-relief sculpture. A 2d drawing is nice, but it's flat. Good tooling just begs to be touched. 

So very true.

[ABHandmade]

And it's fun
What fun can be in flowers and leaves?

[immiketoo]

You stop that right meow.