Somerset update

I hope to have some new images of the Somerset mural Friday. I actually ran out of paint while working on the background so will be up and running again on Friday. I'm off to purchase some shelving and a workbench tomorrow. A great sale on at The Warehouse.

Nearing it's completion you can see the pigs tusk with wood inserts beginning to take shape. I have been told this would suit a female. There's still sanding, staining and whipping and lashing to do.

Mural changes

Some alterations are in the process for the mural at Somerset school. I do like the way the light falls on the mural at a particular time of the day. It certainly adds a brightness to it. The trestle gives you an idea of the height of the mural.

As you can see, the Maori pattern at the top is now complete. It has been painted in the traditional colours of red,black and white. Adding two extra children creates a nice balance overall. The Pohutukawa flower in the top center feels quite strong in it's appearance. I just need to add the children's faces and re-do the background.

 

The Temptations of John the Baptist

Carved from deer antler this piece is 24 cm long. Still some detailing to do including a sandstone base which is darker than limestone and should suit the bone. There are stainless steel finishings on both ends. Sale price NZD $300.00 which includes a card with the interpretation of The temptations of John the Baptist.

Mural adjustments

There's quite a few changes that I've been asked to be make. Today I started on the top design  and the extra splash effect. You can see the two young children, in white, on the left and right of the children in the center. A nice touch thanks to my rock(Mum) who thought up the extra ideas and colours

Pigs tusk carving

Early stages of a carving from  a pigs tusk. The top image is a wooden cap that I have carved to fit on the end of the bone carving. It still needs to be sanded and stained.  I  need to carve another wooden cap for the other side. This will be a necklace when finished.

Gecko carving

I've decided to put up these images of a Gecko I am carving from Totora ( A native to NZ). I find 3D very hard but have taken my time and although there are obvious mistakes, they can't be replaced so have changed my focus to be more on the positive side of this carving. The top image shows the Gecko holding onto a leaf of which I still need to work on. Same is said for the head of the Gecko.

I started sanding the torso to look for imperfections that cannot be seen without that process.

I was given a lot of different wood for carving and made the offer to carve something. It was accepted, and this was the chosen subject. A more contemporary style until I develop my skills to focus on a more realist style.

A weekend away for some relaxation is needed. To the beach I go. Swimming? No. I will still be doing some form of art to pass the time. I'm taking some bone and my sketchpad. I think I will leave my computer behind and see if I can cope,hahaha. Hopefully I will return home with some finished pieces. The drawing is to hang on my Nana's wall. She loves flowers. I still have to frame it.

My first mural, 2010

The above mural was painted by my good friend and myself at Palmerston North's High Needs Unit in 2010. It was our first mural as a pair and our first ever mural. I have placed four photo's next to each other so you can see the entire mural. Approx 12 meters long I designed the mural with peaceful and fantasy elements to create a tranquil place for the patients who are going through a rough patch in their lives. We both added extra elements to show our own personal styles.