How I started

     After doing research and ordering chisels I wanted to try. The process continued. The first question I asked myself was “what do I want to achieve?” The simple question of “what to make?” Through research and pondering ideas what usually comes to mind is sculptures. Sculptures are and can be breathtaking to look at. Unknowing to people is the amount of effort, skill, and tools required. I had many factors to consider for what to make, but the biggest one was “sculptures can need a good amount of space.” Do not get me wrong, they are beautiful and lovely to look at. I realized starting out I needed to focus on “the average person.” What I could create for the average person and “have a function.” I was also in the mindset that I did not want to “create clutter.” Considering that I am currently living in a one-bedroom apartment, with limited space. This was always an adventure when I cooked something. Being just me, I can only eat baked good so much before they went bad, or I honestly got sick of eating it. The first thing that came to mind, for a function and general need, was a clock. I then expanded into making picture frames. Yes, everyone carries a clock in their pocket, called a cell phone. However, occasionally you should break away from your electronics and sometimes it is easier to look at the wall.

     Development of a project first requires a design. How do you develop the design? Well in this case it requires drawing. An excuse that stops people from trying art is “I can’t draw.” Honestly, I still say “I can’t draw.” But I do not let that stop me from creating things. Because I have learned to use other skills that I enjoy and am good at. From designing on the computer, using generic pictures, and turning them into stencils. Another useful tool is graph paper. I also have found that you do not have to be good at drawing. When I draw out ideas I call them doodles. This helps me enjoy the creating process and produce random ideas. I learned that from my stencil design, and random doodles when I carve them into wood they do not come out exactly like the design. This is 100% a good thing and you should not hold it against yourself. For me, the language of a doodle keeps the design relaxed and gives me less stress. Material has an interesting way of developing what it wants to become. Yes, I will admit a design in most cases needs to be exact, you would not want a lopsided bookcase. I would estimate that projects are ninety ish percent to the design.

     For my first clock was a random drawing on the wood. I look back now and ask myself “what was I thinking.” The math angles for a clock layout were difficult to get even. If I did not know I had made the clock. I honestly would think a fifth grader made it. I do agree I am my worse critic when it comes to details. I do not regret making it, because I see how my skills developed through project evolution. From the first clock I have learned. Taking a 2D drawing into a 3D project, visualization is important for a general look. From the random drawing on the wood, I know now that a more detailed drawing helps with a better outcome. I also know that planning is important. When I first started carving, I had the numbers drawn out and the center point. When I showed it to people the first thing I would hear was “cool, what will you put in the center.” Being my first project and I was in learning mode I made random lines. People named the project the “eyeball,” or “the mystery portal.”

     After my first project and doing research on the common source of YouTube. Elements I learned to add to my next project. Its background, it was not smooth nor was it deep enough to give contrast and depth to the project. The second was the number design. Way too big, blocky, and looked like a third grader drew it. At this point I had no clue what I was doing. I still applaud myself for trying. I also know the strong value from the phrase of “you only can get better.” Knowing about depth and perspective are very import. Depth is on a varying scale because it depends on the focus point. At the point in my learning the only depth I focused on was background.

           Taking what I learned from my first project, the second one came out better. I designed a clock with a Celtic knot in the center. I also put an eagle at the base of it. Taking the background down to a consistent level by hand is difficult, and very time consuming. Loved how it turned out. The learning, growth, and development of this hobby is never ending, with the ultimate possibilities and potential, if I am willing to invest effort and try, despite the result.