"Weary Willie" is headed home to a most deserving person. Eileen is my brother's wife. She also loves to collect clowns.
After giving "Chesty" to my brother, the thought to carve a piece for Eileen struck me as a way of letting her know that we know and appreciate her love and support in all they do together and we're thinking her of as well. As you may recall, you know my brother's life revolves around his experience and long time roots to the U.S. Military. More than a few of his vacation trips are spent on Military bases and include as much history of the soldier as he can soak in, and Eileen is always by his side. She's heard all of his "war" stories more than once.
"Weary Willie" is a carving just for Eileen. Everything about the carving, the Power Point Program that I give with each carving and the music that "tells the story" are to tell Eileen, this is just for you. Something special for a very special woman.
"Weary Willie" is also an extremely special piece for me. He is the twenty-seventh piece I've carved since 2009. But more important, "Weary Willie" represents a giant step for me as a wood carver.
Thanks to many very elite wood carvers who frequent the Woodcarving Illustrated Forum for sharing their opinions, knowledge and support for my work, "Weary Willie" is a turning point in my carving and finishing of my work.
"Weary Willie" began as a 3"X3"X12" piece of basswood.
He stands 6 1/2" tall.
Coping "Weary Willie" out on the band saw was a handful.
Now to begin roughing him out.
While carving the "sweeping" "Weary Willie" I decided to do something different by placing him on a base. I also wanted a "carpet" for him to "sweep the spotlight" under so a wider base made sense.
I made a large surface area under his shoes to provide as much gluing surface a possible. He also needed a broom. A 1/8" dowel served the purpose and I carved out a broom.
Now to route out where his feet will go....
Then the carpet and fitting all the pieces together....
The base was then stained, "Weary Willie," the carpet and broom were painted.
Finally, with all the pieces in color, glued and sealed, here's "Weary Willie."
“…The sun's goin' down on the midway tonight
The red stripes are turning to grey
But old Emmett's still out in the big top tonight
Sweeping the spotlight away…”
From the song: “Sweeping the Spotlight Away”
Lyrics by: Murray McLauchlin
Emmett Kelly 12/9/1898 – 3/28/1979
