"In the 1950’s my Mother took me to see “Fantasia.”
She went
for the classical music, I went for the cartoon.
This carving brings to my mind the parallels of the Sorcerer’s
Apprentice and my life.”
Dave
I've wondered for many months as to just what would I like to carve for myself. One carving that will remain with Pat and I as a "Signature" piece.
Pat has become fond of Disney paintings. She will search for one she likes, while I'm taking photos of the ones I would like to carve! Well, one painting caught my attention months ago. "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."
We came very close to purchasing the painting but something inside me was telling me not to purchase it but rather, carve it. This is the one. Part of my choice is due to my other hobby, amateur astronomy. The artist caught the innocence, playfulness and tenacity of Mickey that drew me to it. I've seen many other "Sorcerer's Apprentices" but this one was different. This is the one I'll carve.
This one is for the "Carver" in all of us!
He started out as a 4"X4"X12" piece of Tupelo wood.
Mickey is to be just a bit larger than most of my carvings.
A little band saw work to shorten the rough out stage.
Now for some "grunt" work.
I'm getting a little better leaving enough wood for Mickey's muzzle.
I have no idea what the back of his robe looks like so I thought I'd add a "hood."
I like caricatures because they tend to be more "forgiving." i.e. your mistakes become "creative enhancements!"
Mickey's head is much larger than I sketched out. Consequently, that left less space between his jaw and his arms. I had a devil of a time getting my burrs between his jaw and his arms. However, the area is so tight that I had to forego smoothing that area as much as I would like to. (Ah, creative license!)
His folded arms became another troublesome feature. Hmmmm, how does his hands protrude through his sleeves? Oops, that led to another tiny dilemma. I was nearly ready to seal him for painting and I just had to restructure his right hand... but there again, the lack of space between his jaw and arms helps deceive the eye.
When carving, one major concern is always leaving enough wood for the features. In the case below I cut away too much of his front hat brim.(Grrrrrrr!) I formed a curved piece and glued it in place.
The added "brim" did the job... with a little help of wood filler!
I like to secure the piece to its base by inlaying it into the base. Inlaying prevents the piece from being twisted on its base. On larger pieces I add a screw in addition to wood glue for longevity and strength.
I'd say, Mickey is ready for sealing.
This time I sealed the piece with MinWax #209 Natural Stain.
He stands 10" including the base.
Finally, a carving for the Carver!
