FARO FANNIN - PHASE 1

FARO FANNIN - PHASE 1

January 12, 2001

The design is finished to the point where I feel comfortable beginning the process of cutting the antler.

The image of the sheep that I chose was taken in brush, and so the legs were not visible. I played around with a number of combinations of snow mounds and logs to tuck at the bottom of the sheep. Not happy with any of the results I sketched in the legs to see what the effect would be. The antler curves sharply to the horizontal just under the belly of the sheep so it will be necessary to adjust the carving to a certain optical perspective.

Mounting considerations were important to consider at this stage, to avoid a crooked horizon and slanted trees in the final product. I decided to mount the antler in such a way as to keep the flattened portion as background and the curved portion as foreground. (See the picture below.)

Given the compressed time frame for the completion of this project, I enlisted the support of some able artists, who assisted me by commenting on the design and making suggestions. Thanks to Dwayne Cull (my apprentice for three months!), Norma Delorme, Jerry Kortello and my family! Many eyes are extraordinarily helpful when you don't have several months or years to allow a design to gel.

Providentially, when I was struggling with the portion of the design around the legs and in the snow, three sheep appeared on the bluff behind our home. I spent several hours observing the way they moved through the snow, their tracks and legs. They stayed on the bluff for several days and may be there still - a testimony to the quiet nature of Faro these days. The mine has been closed now for over three years and many have moved away, making Faro a perfect natural retreat in Canada's pristine north!

Till next time,

Shane

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