Alpine Rafting out of Golden, BC, asked us to create a 2' x 4' vertical art piece to hang on their stone fireplace.
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First the drawing; incorporating the elements of their logo and images from their web site.
We cut this piece of wood from a larger cant, placing the best grain in the middle, expecting to get great grain patterns in the waves.
We normally Respond to the grain;and place horizons and features to utilize the grain to maximum effect.
Once we are happy with the design, we 'hard line' it in a heavy black pencil.
First, a jigsaw with a specially shortened blade makes the vertical cuts into the wood.
Then, a Lancelot (angle grinder with a chain saw wheel for a blade) is used to 'bulk down' shapes.
Native bent knives and straight chisels shape the grain and 'clean up the edges'.
With the carving done, we do a deep burn with the big tiger torch (shown here) and a hand held torch for the small corners and deep places. The Alaska Mill is in the background.
Once fully burnt, we wire brush and wire brush some more.
Ready for cleaning, and then paint.
About half done. Image shot with side lighting to show depth.