Category Archives: carving

Carving like Caron

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Dave Fisher

I often listen to audio books while carving in the shop, and I recently finished Irving Stone’s 1934 book Lust for Life, a biographical novel about the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.  Early on, as learning exercises, Vincent … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, figure, historical reference, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The Infant of the Sword

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Dave Fisher

“I suppose every one must have reflected how primeval and how poetical are the things that one carries in one’s pocket; the pocket-knife, for instance, the type of all human tools, the infant of the sword. Once I planned to … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, Lettering, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Getting Started

Posted on April 8, 2017 by Dave Fisher

For those interested in starting to carve bowls and spoons from green wood, the unfamiliarity and variety of the tools can be a little intimidating and confusing, especially when they see the large kits built up over many years by … Continue reading →

Posted in adze, axe, carving, green woodworking, tools, Uncategorized | 15 Comments

Winter Window

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Dave Fisher

I like working in front of this window.  The directional light creates shadows that honestly reveal form and surface.  I have a small high bench there, too high for heavy work, but perfect for finer bits like cleaning up the … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, carving, events, holding, nature, patterns, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Rainbow Dolphin and Whale Shark

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Dave Fisher

There is nothing that reminds me of the magic of creating more than having a kid or two in the shop, as with my niece and nephew this weekend.  They encourage fast and uninhibited work full of wild imagination.  No … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, paint, teaching, Uncategorized | Tagged | 5 Comments

Lowrider

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Dave Fisher

I get a fair amount of questions about my bowl horse, but this low bench has been at the center of my workshop even longer.  I built it thirteen years ago, thinking something like this could serve as a multi-purpose … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, carving, holding, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 10 Comments

Cold November Rain

Posted on November 19, 2016 by Dave Fisher

As I happily remain in the shop this morning, in my head I hear Axl Rose’s refrain. I’m carving flutes along the outer surface of this little “wine bowl.” This is quiet, contemplative work that seems to fit a rainy morning. … Continue reading →

Posted in adze, ale bowls, bowls, carving, cherry, finding wood, green woodworking, holding, quotes and excerpts, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Bent, Warped, and Twisted

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Dave Fisher

I had a plan in my mind for a square tapering shrink pot. As I smacked the froe and watched the waste from the first side fall away, I realized this log had other plans.  This cherry tree had grown with a … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, cherry, green woodworking, Lettering, shrink box, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Different Animals

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Dave Fisher

I was working  a couple different cherry ale bowls over the weekend and was struck again by how different they are to carve compared to “regular” bowls.  First of all, especially in this roughing-out stage, I find myself staring a … Continue reading →

Posted in ale bowls, bowls, carving, cherry, holding, layout, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged | 9 Comments

If Yinz* are Ever in Pittsburgh

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Dave Fisher

Earlier this week, I found myself with a few hours to walk around the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh.  There was no chance of getting lost; all I had to do to orient myself was look for the centerpiece of the … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, historical reference, patterns, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments