Large 2009 chip carving

[Roger Strautman]

I hate to admit this but I've been a member here for almost a year and this will be my first thread. :o At any rate I'm for the most part a chip carver but can do other types of carving.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q96/Carverrog/2009%20Large%20chip%20carving/IMGP0724.jpg

I try and make one large chip carving each year and this year was no exception. I call this Hidden Treasure.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q96/Carverrog/2009%20Large%20chip%20carving/IMGP0726.jpg

My design concepts for chip carving tend to veer away from what is in common use and expressed today. I started with a 24” square wall plaque and added hinged leaves to the piece, framed with a contrasting wood. Not only did this increase its size from 24" to 36", but it also allowed its original geometrical shape to be changed from a square to a diamond alternatingly.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q96/Carverrog/2009%20Large%20chip%20carving/IMGP0687.jpg

A circle has been cut in the middle of the closed leaves so the outside design would be incorporated as the center of the inside design.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q96/Carverrog/2009%20Large%20chip%20carving/IMGP0732.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q96/Carverrog/2009%20Large%20chip%20carving/IMGP0729.jpg

This piece uses some of the most difficult cuts when chip carving, i.e., long straight double lines, very large chips, stippling, and side by side chips. A natural finish was chosen by applying several coats of lacquer sprayed on the entire piece.

[Dave McGeehan]

Roger, both the design and workmanship are truly incredible. The more I look at it as a whole and in detail the more impressed I am. Also, great idea using a natural finish so the wood stays light and highlights the shadows. What type of wood did you use? Any idea how many hours it took?

[Philip Allin]

Roger, I saw this chip carving as an entry in the Woodcraft/Pfeil contest - it is outstanding! I was even more impressed by the butternut "banners" you did for a church. Good luck on the contest - hope you win a trip to Brienz.

This is my current project - one I may enter in the contest if I finish it in time. It is based on a winged horse tesselation of M. C. Escher - 2-1/2" x 4" x 12" butternut. The design is incised around the lower part, but becomes more shaped and larger toward the top, ending with the two fully shaped horses at the top.

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[Mark Yundt]

Roger,, Doesn't matter how many times I see these...they are just stunning! Excellent work. Such precision,clean cuts. Man, I could just go on.

[Roger Strautman]

Roger, both the design and workmanship are truly incredible. The more I look at it as a whole and in detail the more impressed I am. Also, great idea using a natural finish so the wood stays light and highlights the shadows. What type of wood did you use? Any idea how many hours it took?

I used basswood for the chip carved areas and walnut for the accent wood. I had around 400 hrs. from start of design to last coat of finish. Thanks for asking.

[Roger Strautman]

Roger,, Doesn't matter how many times I see these...they are just stunning! Excellent work. Such precision,clean cuts. Man, I could just go on.

Thanks Mark! I just started working on ideas and designs for this years piece.

[Joel Ficke]

Wow Roger. I love the design...everything...central medallion, opening 'leaves', gentle curves, subtle vines. Seems like the closer you get the more is revealed. Wonderful.

[John Schreiber]

That is far and away the most sophisticated chip carving I've ever seen. I'm lost in admiration.

[John Timberlake]

Great work. I've done a little chip carving, but nothing like this piece. Why only one per year?

[Steve Vaughan]

that is just stunning! Thanks for sharing!

[Chuck Nickerson]

Wow! When you start a thread, you REALLY start a thread.

I think I'll take my current carving project and hide it in the bottom of a dark, deep well.

[Tim Mahoney]

I bought my first chip carving knife and a few books to learn how to do this. I think I'd just rather buy yours. Beautiful. Do you sell these, give them a presents at xmas? That really is the best I've seen.

[Roger Strautman]

I bought my first chip carving knife and a few books to learn how to do this. I think I'd just rather buy yours. Beautiful. Do you sell these, give them a presents at xmas? That really is the best I've seen.

Tim, most of what I make is one-of-a-kind chip carving and I still own all my large pieces. It would take a special person to spend what their worth. I do make smaller pieces from patterns of designs I've used before.
Thanks for asking and don't give up now!

[Jim Paulson]

Hi Roger,

Thanks for posting this top notch work. I must admit that your design and carving are truly outstanding. You incorporated a number of features that I haven't tried yet so maybe I'll get the courage to work those into some of my future designs too. I like the use of threes in the design as well, very Trinitarian if I don't say being a preacher. I intentionally did that in a triptych carving that took 150 hours which is featured on my website under the gallery page.

I look forward to seeing more of your projects and it helps inspire me to finally carve the top of another tool chest I've had in the works for awhile. I think 2010 is the year I'll finish the top of my cabinetmakers tool chest. :)

Shalom,
Jim
http://www.chairsbypaulson.com