I thought I had a plan

 

    It’s been fun brainstorming and seeing what complex and intricate ideas that I could come up with. Of course, the more that I tried the more “they just didn’t look right.” I talked about in my last blog how I was considering “camouflage designs.” Which I would hide a special meaning in the design. However, it could not be obvious to the person. I am pleased to say that it has been successfully completed. I used the initials of DM and worked it into a design. Of course, this is only one of many in the future “I hope.”  

            The interesting part is people were not expecting it unless I said something. I got many responses from different letters to “a face,” and of course, my favorite “a fish.” I couldn’t help but laugh at that one. It shows how everyone’s mind works differently. 

            I have continued to brainstorm ideas and work out different stages of the carving process. I have been also trying to make designs for which I would need the microscope to successfully carve them. Most of the designs “I think I need it,” but in reality, it’s easier without it. Now I do plan to keep caving designs with the microscope I just I have figure out “what design.” Not to say I will be able to add more “fine details,” with it. The details will come “depending on the design.” Yes, I see that it might sound like a complicated process. It probably is I just have more to figure out.

          

  Todays project I was able to “hide a heart,” into the design. I transferred it to the wood. I then did my normal study and planning to figure out “where to start.” I thought I had laid it out in my mind for what I wanted to do. Ow how I was wrong. But I didn’t know it till I was in the middle of carving. The smaller the design I still haven’t been able to figure out the “where to start point.” Because there is a lot of spacing and different depths that need to be considered with each design. I started to carve under the microscope which I figured wasn’t needed, when I was trying to use it. I resorted to the small down cut bit to step different depths and then started to shape the outer edge. However, as I looked at the project it was not developing into what my vision I was hoping for. It was not developing any resemblance to my drawing idea. Now, do I ever try to copy my drawing exactly, No. Do I try my best, yes. 

            Are you wrong for following your plan exactly, no. I believe in the importance of flexibility and creative freedom. Freedom with the design for the drawing or in my case “doodles.” To be inspirational ideas. The freedom to not have everything draw out perfectly for and to the work piece. I draw out the idea from the front perspective. I still have not been able to figure out a 360-degree perspective idea. When I am carving, I am flexible in the moment to develop the other sides to enhance the center focal point. Keeping the work fluid and elegant. 

        I would carve then stop and look, I referred to my drawing to see the development progress. As I was comparing the parts I realized that something was off. I was at a crossroads in the middle of carving. I knew that my project would not resemble my drawing. I could either develop a new idea or “give up” on the wood completely. The key to learn however difficult it might be is “be patient in yourself,” and believe inspiration will come. I took a break from the work and “started over.” I redrew my design out on a new piece of wood and developed my plan well revamped it for success. I started with developing the edges and then worked into the line work for depth. Through the process I figured out the hardest parts were “angles” and knowing your layers in the details. I am pleased to say that the project was developing nicely, and I believed I created “my vision.” I still have a lot more work to do but I believe I was able to figure it out.

            I returned to the first attempt to see if inspiration would strike. Can I explain where and how I become inspirated. No. I look at the wood and see what it says. I stayed patient and explored different options. With a little wood removed in different spots and “a lot of staring.” I don’t know how to explain the process my brain works or the why. I just know to be inspired you need to be patient and believe. I know that with being patient, believing, continuing to work through the process, a vision will develop when you least expect it. The vision you will turn what you thought was a lost cause into something beautiful.