The beginning of another paddle carving
(later to be called “Transformation”)
A couple of solid days carving: canoe, whale, otter, fish and human torso. The more I carve the more there seems left to be done. I whittle away all day. The carving does look better yet I seem to be expecting more progress. All in all I see this as a fair undertaking for a novice carver, then again, I am enjoying seeing the figures appear. I am having thoughts of the differences in approaches between a build- up sculpting process and that of a take-away sculpting process.
Another day
This note is in reference to the driftwood piece that eventually becomes “Transformation.”
Solid carving again on “Multi Sculpture.” It is difficult to see where the day went yet it is in the sculpture somewhere.
Another day
Yes more carving, morning till night. The dogfish finally has taken some shape. I have been looking forward to seeing something tangible in that blank spot. In particular, the whale portions of the sculpture amaze me. I am rather pleased with the results and I am amazed that I have been able to carve it.
Days pass
Time feels less distinct than it has been. It feels as though only a few days have passed since I last wrote. I feel a need to finish the piece. As I carve and begin to see what is happening in the piece, it dawns on me that everything is becoming one.
Although there is some distinction between one character and another there are also parts that are the same. There is unity, and don’t think I am not surprised at how cosmic or philosophical that might sound! At this point the piece is taking on meaning. Things are not necessarily the same as I at first wanted them to be. I am finding that if I let things be what they want to be, they can become even more beautiful than I would have at first imagined. I am fascinated as I have just discovered another whale in the piece and as I take away wood to expose the body of the whale, the same action is making the heron more distinct. This shaping is, as well, making the other whale more distinct…and I don’t do drugs! Back to the carving.
Another day
As I carve, I understand more about the piece, and how each part is significant. If I have not removed some part of the wood piece, then I take on the attitude that it is there for some other purpose. In this piece it is both all I know and all I do not know. All will be in the “I” of the beholder. The piece is really beginning to take shape. I shall relax, be patient, and it will do, become what it wants to become.
Upon re-reading this note I recognize that I have not, in the writing process, been applying lessons I have learned when I was doing the sculpture pieces. I am presently determined to put the sculpting and the intuitive listening material together for others in the most beautiful way I am capable and I have been at a loss as to how to do so. I am not presently seeing a way through to a finished work. I am going to take my own advice. The written, sculpted piece is really beginning to take shape. I shall relax, be patient, and the process will evolve in its own way, and in its own time.
As well, I am following my own advice as I say to myself, “Don’t be concerned about what it is going to be or what it is going to look like. It is not presently about what I can’t do, what I am not able to do. It is about what I am presently able to do. Do that.”
I’m going back to old notes and putting them together. I am able to do that. I am feeling better already!
Same day continues, a short note
Hope, trust, love,
life, grace, wonder,
care, fragility, strength.
An amazing piece.
Yet another day
More carving on the piece today, although not for as long as I would have liked. It is starting to look more complete, as if most of the questions have been answered. I am feeling a little restless to finish the piece although I am managing to remain patient, knowing that patience is of primary importance. I recognize there is still a good deal of finishing work to be done.
I am finding the carving process on the piece to be amazing. I am letting myself go, relaxing and having my relaxed mind take care of telling the carving tool what to do, and where. I feel almost as an observer…although not totally. I have an impression that I have all the knowledge of how to carve the various figures, all the knowledge already within me. This is not to say that I do not refer to reference images at times. For instance, what does an otter’s front leg look like? I have merely allowed myself, through trust and presence, to carve as I feel comfortable. This is not to say I am intellectually skilled in sculpture carving for if I were to approach carving using my intellect I might give up, knowing, understanding that I have not had the training or shown the ability to replicate objects realistically. Instead I have approached the process without thinking, more with trust in the process, and I find those results to be quite wondrous. This statement may sound a little corny. Intellectually I cannot imagine that I could have planned the design near as well as it has turned out, by just letting go and picking the shapes out intuitively. I intend to further direct myself to this intuitive process. This has been only my first intentionally, non- intellectually directed effort.
Another day
I wake this morning and feel amazed at how much metaphor is represented in the sculpture. So much metaphor unfolding before me. I marvel at how much there is to see in this single piece. My mind jumps to a vision of the paddle sculpture I have developed and how it too is continuing to gain meaning.
As I consider the work involved to insert additional figures into the canoe, as I had been imagining that possibility, I am recognizing paradoxically that the choice of expression is mine. The mind boggles with all the meaning that is revealed to me. I just would not know where to start to write it all down, or rather, I am not prepared to write it now. Instead I want to continue working directly on the piece. I am excited about all that continues to unfold. I am very thankful to be doing this piece.
Another day
Carve, sand, carve then sand, definitely a lot of both today. I started about 8:30 am and it is now 11:00 pm and I have just finished up for the day It is difficult to discern what has changed. There is a little more shape. Things are a little more smooth. There are fewer rough edges.
Another day
As the sculpture changes, defects in the wood of the figures are becoming more of a focal point, yet the less attention I give them the less the defects seem to matter.
Another day
Pondering…paddles that are unique, yet do not function as paddles. Isn’t that interesting! I have been wondering why I have had this inclination to express both canoe and paddles. It does not appear to be Aboriginal culture that I am dealing with at all. Canoe appears to serve as metaphor.
Another day
Going against the grain is not very productive.
Another day
I am considering that I would want the sculpture to go to a good home. Numerous people have suggested that I keep it. I do not personally feel that I must. If that does happen. I will still be pleased. If it doesn’t I’m sure I will be OK as well. Ironically, it is just another piece of driftwood.
Another day
I feel it is now OK. I can stop working on the sculpture. I can either continue working on it or feel that it is now complete. I can go on. I have clarity. The imperfections will just have to remain. Those that are not able to handle the imperfections will, themselves, have to deal with that.
Another day
I have finished the sculpture!
It is ready to be launched. I am deeply satisfied. I thank the piece for everything it has done for me on my life’s journey. I am sure that this is not the end of the journey of connecting. I have no idea where the canoe will continue to take me. I am certain that it will be rewarding.
The paddles that I have made are becoming more symbolically clear to me now. I have for the most part been at a loss as to why paddles and canoe. Each day I get a little more insight. There is symbolism here.
Another day
Gawd, what an awesome piece. Is this the result when one gives up the steersman’s paddle? I do believe it is. How happy I am that I have open-mindedly allowed myself to take this approach with sculpting and now too with life. I believe I am converting to this attitude toward living. I gain more confidence each day.
I have written another interpretation. This has not been intentional, rather a choice to follow whatever up-welling of expression arises.
Notes on the carving process, and significant transformation.
Third and Fourth Paddle
One might imagine I was working with traditional carving implements when I described my actions as “carving.” The tool I was for the most part working with was a hand-held air die grinder, which incorporates various carbide bits or sanding drum attachments. This was the carving tool I had on hand when I began the sculpting process. I have been using chainsaws for cutting firewood, Skil saws and table saws for home building and such tools as drills and grinders as needed. I did not have curved knives or specialty gouges so the air and power tools were doing the exploration.
During this exploration, I did make a couple of adzes yet for the most part I had less familiarity with the hand tools so continued without those more traditional tools. Goggles and ear protection added to my regalia.
I was engaged in a sculpting take-away process. I was removing wood to reveal more of each figure. I carved slowly, unconcerned with the amount of time the process was taking, unconcerned with the selling of the piece, unconcerned with making a living, unconcerned with the meaning of the piece. I just carved away the material that did not feel, or that did not appear to be, part of the piece.