The artstream is now flowing in this direction. The wood mask below, 22"x 21", is an iconic image of the moon. It was hanging on the wall in my house where I was able to observe and appreciate it's subtle qualities. Usually my artwork is private commission and does not hang on my wall for very long. After a time it came to me that this piece would be the ideal model for a bronze artwork. I had been searching for the right branch of the stream for inspiration. Not sure when it came to me but at last I had a creative direction to move towards. I took the wooden model to the bronze foundry and used the wax to make the halo. The halo depicts the herring spawning when the moon is full. I am in the process of making several different halos for the moon mask.
This moon mask is made of local Alder wood. Carved when green and seasoned properly before finishing. Alder is a great local wood resource for carving a wood project such as this.The wood must be carved to a roughed out stage when it is green and fresh. It can then be left to slowly dry in order to prevent cracking. This process takes from several months to years if cared for using the proper conditions. I have kept alder wood carvings for years in this roughed out stage awaiting the finishing process.
