In the Beginning
First there was my site Mainly Dragons. Now after many requests for information and lessons, there is this site; Dragonwood.
Eyes right, we all have to start somewhere!
Remember I carve Oriental Dragons and all of my advice on these pages will be in relation to carving Oriental Dragons, you can use the information here for other types of sculptures obviously but I will be talking from the point of view of Dragon sculptures, so do not ask for help with your duck carving, as you will not get it.
From time to time you may come up with a better way of doing something so please let me know and I will share it with every one.
The first step to learning is to accept your own limitations and acknowledge that you have something to learn. The second step is to overcome and expand these limitations. As you add to your knowledge the gate posts of your limitations will widen; indeed they will grow so far apart that you may no longer see the posts of your limitations until one day some one comes and slams the gates shut in your face.
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YOU WILL NEED PATIENCE
After twenty years of sculpting I am still learning, so do not think you will master every thing in one easy lesson.
Follow the rules when using power tools, use common sense with sharp chisels and knives. Remember, you are more likely to injure yourself with a poorly maintained tool.
Buy the best quality tool you can afford. Note, I said quality, not the most expensive. Quality chisels usually come with a life time guarantee, if they do not, then look elsewhere. Go for a known make like, Henry Taylor, Sorby or Stubai, Ashley lles and Pfeil.
Cape Forge will make or alter tools to suit you. All of these companys provide you with fine quality tools in their individual price ranges. Try them, find the ones you like, do not feel obligated to buy only from one of them. Choose the tools that suit you.
To start
You will need some where to carve. Note; you will make a mess you will have sharp tools lying around, and you will need good light. Saying that you could work sat in a chair and whittle, you could have a powered dust extractor in your lap and carve over it with a rotary carver, how about a removable or suction clamp on the kitchen table. You do not need a lot of room or tools to produce a beautiful sculpture. On the other hand having a work shop of your own would no doubt be very welcome, this also does not have to be very large. All you need is space to work and this could be as simple as a 6x6 foot shed.
Mainly Dragons Hand carved Oriental Dragons
Mainly Dragons . Come and see the sculptures |
