Category Archives: sketch

Behind the Mask

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Dave Fisher

Last week, I found myself in a house with this intriguing wooden mask on display.  It was about 17 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 7 1/2 inches deep.  I know very little about African masks, but to my untrained … Continue reading →

Posted in adze, finding wood, green woodworking, historical reference, holding, sketch, Uncategorized, video | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Happy New June

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Dave Fisher

Another school year has ended around here. Always an exciting time for me, but this year particularly so.  My wife, Kristin, and I watched the older of our two children, Emma, graduate from high school yesterday.  While it makes me nostalgic … Continue reading →

Posted in green woodworking, sketch, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Dave Fisher

I recently completed this commission for the congregation of a California church.  They wished to honor their minister’s ten years of leadership with a bowl featuring their church motto, Micah 6:8.  It is a beautiful verse.  I was happy to play a … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, holding, Lettering, quotes and excerpts, sketch, Uncategorized, walnut | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Gouge Choice

Posted on March 12, 2016 by Dave Fisher

Nearly all of my work is left from the sharp edge of a paring gouge.  I discussed the process and tools in some detail in this post last year — and this one. Lately, I’ve received a few questions asking … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, carving, sketch, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 33 Comments

Carving Round Bowls can be Super

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Dave Fisher

If you’re going to make round bowls, why not use a lathe?  Well, because I’m chicken.  There’s something about a twenty pound chunk of wood spinning around at five hundred rpm that makes me not want to poke it with … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, carving, layout, sketch, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments

Finding the Spoon in the Crook

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Dave Fisher

I like making spoons from crooks.  It makes for strong elegant spoons that let the tree be a design partner.  Besides, I like discovering the crooks. When a crook is split, the sinuous ergonomic profile of the spoon is revealed.  … Continue reading →

Posted in cherry, finding wood, green woodworking, sketch, spoons, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Reference Sketching

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Dave Fisher

Why make a reference sketch?  In order to draw a subject, one is forced to consider it intently.  I find that I’m often surprised, while sketching, by what I hadn’t noticed prior to making the sketch.  In fact, the process … Continue reading →

Posted in patterns, sketch, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

The Maine Woods

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Dave Fisher

A little over 150 years ago, Henry David Thoreau visited the Maine woods to learn from nature and the Penobscot tribe, including his Penobscot guide, Joe Polis.  A week and a half ago, I also journeyed to the Maine woods … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, nature, sketch, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Start Where You Stand

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Dave Fisher

  Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.”  Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” — George Herbert, “Jacula … Continue reading →

Posted in quotes and excerpts, sketch, tools | Tagged , | 10 Comments

The Great Adze Shortage of ’15

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Dave Fisher

It seems that it is difficult to acquire a good adze these days.  I’m not looking, but I have been getting emails seeking advice on what to do about it.  These folks wish to carve bowls, and are willing to … Continue reading →

Posted in adze, cartoons, sketch, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 43 Comments