'Big Horns Ram, 2010' (Finished) by Shane Wilson (carved big horn sheep horn on granite base)
October 29, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram | Portfolio Images
LINKS: Big Horns Ram - Complete Work in Progress Video
(big horn sheep horn carving granite base, big horn sheep horn granite base sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving granite base, big horn sheep horn granite base sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Photography) by Shane Wilson
October 29, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
A few shots from the photography session with Wildman Photography...
If you are an artist, it pays to always, always, always have your work photographed by a professional. Always!
Gary Wildman with his assistant and computer guru, Dan.
Gary and Dan set up the shot for 'Big Horns Ram - Melt, 2010' by Shane Wilson
Dan and Gary check out the photos on the computer for exposure and detail
If you are an artist, it pays to always, always, always have your work photographed by a professional. Always!
Gary Wildman with his assistant and computer guru, Dan.
Gary and Dan set up the shot for 'Big Horns Ram - Melt, 2010' by Shane Wilson
Dan and Gary check out the photos on the computer for exposure and detail
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 44) by Shane Wilson
October 28, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The horns and bases are brought together for the first time. A few more coats of the satin lacquer are still needed.
There is quite a contrast between these pics and the initial shots of the horns, prior to carving!
There is quite a contrast between these pics and the initial shots of the horns, prior to carving!
'Big Horns Ram' (Granite Bases) by Shane Wilson
October 28, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In order to choose the best colour for the granite base, I visited a granite kitchen countertop business here in Nanaimo, called PIGranite. They had hundreds of different slabs to choose from, so I brought the horns to the shop and tried them all on.
The colour that works the best for this colour of horn is called Blue Pearl. The stone is mostly blue with black flecks, but, and this is difficult to see in these images, there is an interference colour which appears peachy, pearlescent and matches the horns perfectly, while the blue provides a nice contrast.
As you can see, the magnets were bolted to the stone, which was custom cut, drilled and polished, and high density foam castors were added, to protect the surface upon which the sculptures are to be displayed, and to provide visual elevation from that surface.
The bolt and washer assembly are secured with more Sumo Glue (which expands to fill the gap between the drilled hole and the bolt) and Super Glue to secure the nuts. The magnets sit on top of the granite surface to keep the effect clean and to elevate the horn away from the base.
The colour that works the best for this colour of horn is called Blue Pearl. The stone is mostly blue with black flecks, but, and this is difficult to see in these images, there is an interference colour which appears peachy, pearlescent and matches the horns perfectly, while the blue provides a nice contrast.
As you can see, the magnets were bolted to the stone, which was custom cut, drilled and polished, and high density foam castors were added, to protect the surface upon which the sculptures are to be displayed, and to provide visual elevation from that surface.
The bolt and washer assembly are secured with more Sumo Glue (which expands to fill the gap between the drilled hole and the bolt) and Super Glue to secure the nuts. The magnets sit on top of the granite surface to keep the effect clean and to elevate the horn away from the base.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 42) by Shane Wilson
October 22, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The washers are glued, then the overage was removed, cleaned up with the use of a few passes with a 1/8" straight burr.
In order to spray the horns with the lacquer, I attached two magnets to a scrap piece of 1"x6", then affixed the horns.
Lacquer goes on thin, so several passes were necessary.
I have tried a variety of finish glosses, but prefer satin applied over a gloss undercoat.
In order to spray the horns with the lacquer, I attached two magnets to a scrap piece of 1"x6", then affixed the horns.
Lacquer goes on thin, so several passes were necessary.
I have tried a variety of finish glosses, but prefer satin applied over a gloss undercoat.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 41) by Shane Wilson
October 21, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
Time to begin the process of mounting the horns onto the granite bases. After considering a number of different mounting scenarios, I decided that the rare earth magnet assembly, sold by Lee Valley Tools, offered the most elegant solution.
There are two parts to the magnet assembly: the magnet and a thick steel washer. The magnet will be bolted through a pre-drilled hole in the granite and the washer will be attached to the bottom of the horn.
I try to avoid mounting solutions that involve drilling and screwing parts to the sculpture itself, since these so often fail over time and end up cracking the horn or antler. So I am using Sumo Glue by Locktite as the only means for attaching the washer. If the glue bond fails, then the washer can simply be reattached using a similar glue product, but the sculpture will remain unharmed.
There are two parts to the magnet assembly: the magnet and a thick steel washer. The magnet will be bolted through a pre-drilled hole in the granite and the washer will be attached to the bottom of the horn.
I try to avoid mounting solutions that involve drilling and screwing parts to the sculpture itself, since these so often fail over time and end up cracking the horn or antler. So I am using Sumo Glue by Locktite as the only means for attaching the washer. If the glue bond fails, then the washer can simply be reattached using a similar glue product, but the sculpture will remain unharmed.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 40) by Shane Wilson
October 20, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have cleaned up some of the lines around the design elements and have further refined the big horn ram's head, adding detail to the horns and roughing out the area around the visible eye.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 39) by Shane Wilson
September 29, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
After publishing the update from the last phase to Facebook, I received feedback indicating that the shards might be a little distracting, with a suggestion that they be pushed off the horizontal to avoid the appearance that they are 'at rest'.
I have tried to incorporate this suggestion, changing the shape of two of the shards while adding the detail from the shattered 'path'.
The majority of the horn is now completely carved. All that remains is the final detailing on the big horn ram's head.
I have tried to incorporate this suggestion, changing the shape of two of the shards while adding the detail from the shattered 'path'.
The majority of the horn is now completely carved. All that remains is the final detailing on the big horn ram's head.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 38) by Shane Wilson
September 20, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, the negative space along the back of the horn has been carved away.
In the image below, you can see the negative spaces created in both horns.
Note: The sculptures are meant to be viewed from a front-on position, so that these negative spaces create the illusion of the shapes of the big horn sheep as they rear into their ramming of their respective paths, while at the same time showing the continuity of the paths themselves into the sheep.
In the image below, you can see the negative spaces created in both horns.
Note: The sculptures are meant to be viewed from a front-on position, so that these negative spaces create the illusion of the shapes of the big horn sheep as they rear into their ramming of their respective paths, while at the same time showing the continuity of the paths themselves into the sheep.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 37) by Shane Wilson
September 10, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
I have begun to rough out the inner portion of the family/cultural history path's curved lines.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 36) by Shane Wilson
September 08, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, the borders of the family/cultural history path have been roughed out.
Next I'll design the inner portion of the path with curved lines, curved against the curve of the horn itself to provide contrast and interest within the sculpture.
Next I'll design the inner portion of the path with curved lines, curved against the curve of the horn itself to provide contrast and interest within the sculpture.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 35) by Shane Wilson
August 19, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
Finished, almost.
The carving is complete, including the signature on the reverse.
I have included a close up shot and one from the extreme right side (below), so that you can see how the effect was achieved in relief.
Remaining to be done: mounting on a pearl blue granite base and finishing with an acrylic spray. But first it is time to return to the partner horn and finish it to the same point.
The carving is complete, including the signature on the reverse.
I have included a close up shot and one from the extreme right side (below), so that you can see how the effect was achieved in relief.
Remaining to be done: mounting on a pearl blue granite base and finishing with an acrylic spray. But first it is time to return to the partner horn and finish it to the same point.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 34) by Shane Wilson
August 16, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, the negative space under the ram has been carved away, leaving the ram's rearing, abstract, silhouette.
The face and horns are marked for the final detail carving.
The horn is marked in a slightly stylized fashion to reflect the path detail.
The face and horns are marked for the final detail carving.
The horn is marked in a slightly stylized fashion to reflect the path detail.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 33) by Shane Wilson
August 09, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
I have decided to cut out a section of the back of the horn to give more of a stylized profile of the ram as it descends from its upright reared position into its collision with the path.
The shape of the negative space will mirror the curve of the horn.
The tedious work of finishing the fine detail, strand by strand of horn fibre, is also in progress in this phase with the upper half of the horn completed.
The shape of the negative space will mirror the curve of the horn.
The tedious work of finishing the fine detail, strand by strand of horn fibre, is also in progress in this phase with the upper half of the horn completed.
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 32) by Shane Wilson
July 26, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The full path is roughed in, now to clean up the design and put the final touches on the melted portions. I'll save the final detailing of the ram's head for last.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 31) by Shane Wilson
July 24, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The first four are done, now for the two larger ones ...
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 30) by Shane Wilson
July 23, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
Continuing to work the path ...
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 29) by Shane Wilson
July 21, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have begun to add the raised border detail to the 'history' path.
This will involve lowering the background plane on the rest of the horn.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
This will involve lowering the background plane on the rest of the horn.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 28) by Shane Wilson
July 16, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have further shaped and refined the ram's head. The pathway of the past has been roughed in and more of the horn in behind the design elements of the melting path has been removed.
The inside of the horn has been cleaned up, with the top layer removed. In order to reach into the horn to address some of the carving beyond normal burr and hand piece range, I used a carbide, rounded over straight burr on an extended 1/4" shaft.
The extension adds an additional 4" of reach, but extra care is needed when using this burr with powerful high speed grinders like the Flexible Shaft Foredom. Any play in the shaft is exaggerated at 4" and the precision of the grinding is reduced considerably. For rough work, though, the extension works well.
Another consideration, especially with horn, is the tendency of the burr to get caught on the grain of the horn and cut wildly. To avoid this, a careful, brushing stroke works best. Avoid applying pressure to the burr.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
The inside of the horn has been cleaned up, with the top layer removed. In order to reach into the horn to address some of the carving beyond normal burr and hand piece range, I used a carbide, rounded over straight burr on an extended 1/4" shaft.
The extension adds an additional 4" of reach, but extra care is needed when using this burr with powerful high speed grinders like the Flexible Shaft Foredom. Any play in the shaft is exaggerated at 4" and the precision of the grinding is reduced considerably. For rough work, though, the extension works well.
Another consideration, especially with horn, is the tendency of the burr to get caught on the grain of the horn and cut wildly. To avoid this, a careful, brushing stroke works best. Avoid applying pressure to the burr.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 27) by Shane Wilson
July 04, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The head has been further roughed out to create a 3-D impression. It remains to add the finer details.
The background has been refined around the head and the band roughed in to gauge the effectiveness of this element in the design.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
The background has been refined around the head and the band roughed in to gauge the effectiveness of this element in the design.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 26) by Shane Wilson
July 02, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
I have decided to pass the strip pattern by the portion of the design on the horns immediately behind the rear horn of both rams.
This will help fill the gap in the pattern on the 'melted' horn caused by the removal of one of the tabs of horn to allow for carving the head in greater relief.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
This will help fill the gap in the pattern on the 'melted' horn caused by the removal of one of the tabs of horn to allow for carving the head in greater relief.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 25) by Shane Wilson
June 30, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The background has been reduced along the entire horn, lessening the impact of the background and allowing for more emphasis to be worked into the ram's head.
The overall effect is somewhat confusing visually, so I'll need to give the background design more thought before proceeding.
I'll focus on the ram's head first. Doing so may help a complementary background design to come more properly into focus.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
The overall effect is somewhat confusing visually, so I'll need to give the background design more thought before proceeding.
I'll focus on the ram's head first. Doing so may help a complementary background design to come more properly into focus.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 24) by Shane Wilson
June 29, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
There is a difficult decision to be made at this point in this carving. The detail of the melting background immediately behind the rear horn of the ram's head will need to be eliminated in order to allow a higher relief to be achieved in the rams head.
The entire subsurface arcing behind the head will also need to be reduced considerably.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
The entire subsurface arcing behind the head will also need to be reduced considerably.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 23) by Shane Wilson
June 28, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
I am now ready for the fine details on the ram's head, which have been sketched out in red coloured pencil. The idea will be to exaggerate the indented areas a little bit to create enough shadow to make the detail sing at a moderate distance.
Sheep horn is a difficult medium in which to create fine detail, since the pattern of the horn itself tends to dominate the composition.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
Sheep horn is a difficult medium in which to create fine detail, since the pattern of the horn itself tends to dominate the composition.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 22) by Shane Wilson
June 25, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
As it is important to keep working both horns at the same time, I have switched back to the 'melted' side and have begun to rough in the planes on the ram's head.
You can see the relief nature of the carving in this second photo.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
You can see the relief nature of the carving in this second photo.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 21) by Shane Wilson
June 24, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have worked to refine the ram's head, adding some detail and restoring the balance and proportion using the initial reference image.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 20) by Shane Wilson
June 22, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have completed roughing in the broken area behind the ram's head.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 19) by Shane Wilson
June 18, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have begun to rough out the broken area behind the ram's head.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 18) by Shane Wilson
June 11, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have worked exclusively on the left horn.
The rearmost planes on the ram's head and body have been recessed and the horns have been established in their final positions.
The jagged background roughing in has begun above the ram's head.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
The rearmost planes on the ram's head and body have been recessed and the horns have been established in their final positions.
The jagged background roughing in has begun above the ram's head.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 17) by Shane Wilson
June 10, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I thought it was time to bring both horns together to begin to even out the design over both sculptures.
I have also removed the photocopied template from the horn on the right side and identified the major planes on the ram's face.
The recessed horn on the right has also been roughed in, while the major planes are again penciled in on the left horn.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
I have also removed the photocopied template from the horn on the right side and identified the major planes on the ram's face.
The recessed horn on the right has also been roughed in, while the major planes are again penciled in on the left horn.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 16) by Shane Wilson
June 04, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have begun to shape the torn/melted elements to give them some life in 3D.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 15) by Shane Wilson
June 03, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, the background horn material has been reduced to create the effect of popping up the torn/melted elements.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 14) by Shane Wilson
May 31, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, the back of the horn behind the ram's was carved away to create the negative space around the head.
Following this a small 1/8" rounded over straight burr was used to create a depth outline around the melted elements.
This will enable me to remove horn around the elements to a uniform depth, creating the illusion that the horn is melting and flying apart as the ram charges through.
Large 1/4 " ball and cylinder burrs were used to remove the bulk of the horn behind the ram's head.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
Following this a small 1/8" rounded over straight burr was used to create a depth outline around the melted elements.
This will enable me to remove horn around the elements to a uniform depth, creating the illusion that the horn is melting and flying apart as the ram charges through.
Large 1/4 " ball and cylinder burrs were used to remove the bulk of the horn behind the ram's head.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 13) by Shane Wilson
May 28, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
I have begun to refine the outlines of the 'melted' horn and to begin clearing the horn material around the big horn sheep's head, using the same tools from the last phase with the addition of the straight, single-fluted 1/8" burr.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 12) by Shane Wilson
May 25, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The outlines of the second horn have been roughed out and plenty of horn removed using the band saw and both a 1/4" shafted ball burr on the Foredom and a rounded over 1/8" straight burr on the NSK micromotor grinder.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 11) by Shane Wilson
May 17, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The image is slowly beginning to appear. It will be necessary to remove more background material on the rear side of the ram's head, to allow the back horn to recess further, enhancing the 3D effect.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 10) by Shane Wilson
May 17, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
An intermediate step. This is the beginning of the 'messy phase' when the design element is being roughed out and the artist despairs of creating something that will resemble the real thing.
It is important to stop and look during the carving process, marking the next steps carefully - in this case with a red pencil crayon.
Avoid marking the carving with permanent ink or graphite, which tend to become trapped in the fibres of the horn or antler and discolour the sculpture.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
It is important to stop and look during the carving process, marking the next steps carefully - in this case with a red pencil crayon.
Avoid marking the carving with permanent ink or graphite, which tend to become trapped in the fibres of the horn or antler and discolour the sculpture.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 9) by Shane Wilson
May 17, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
I have decided to include the candy cane element on some of the shards, indicative of their place in the path prior to the ram breaking through.
It is time to begin roughing in the ram's head. The object is to create the head in high relief to give the impression that it is breaking through on a 3/4 angle. This will not be easy as sheep heads are a marvel of weird angles and impossible curves.
As a first step, I have used a pointy burr to pierce the paper template to give some idea of the placement of the primary structures. It is very easy to lose one's way at this point, so for the next few days I'll take it slowly to allow the 3D image to build and rebuild in my mind.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
It is time to begin roughing in the ram's head. The object is to create the head in high relief to give the impression that it is breaking through on a 3/4 angle. This will not be easy as sheep heads are a marvel of weird angles and impossible curves.
As a first step, I have used a pointy burr to pierce the paper template to give some idea of the placement of the primary structures. It is very easy to lose one's way at this point, so for the next few days I'll take it slowly to allow the 3D image to build and rebuild in my mind.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 8) by Shane Wilson
May 16, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
I have begun to rough in the cracking design around the sheep head.
From the images below you get a further sense of the stock removal 'behind the scenes' to allow light through around the head, giving the impression that the ram is breaking though.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
From the images below you get a further sense of the stock removal 'behind the scenes' to allow light through around the head, giving the impression that the ram is breaking though.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 7) by Shane Wilson
May 16, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
I have begun to add back in the cracking portion of the design and an additional element, a candycane, expanding stripe, that will be incised into the horn to give the path a sense of dimension and placement in space.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 6) by Shane Wilson
May 13, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have cleaned up the design elements and have begun to establish the planes relative to one another.
I have also begun to work out how the negative space around the ram's head will look relative to the path it is breaking through.
The lines marking the cracks in the path have disappeared due to the removal of horn material, but they will be reapplied and carved into the horn in a future phase.
This shot shows the stock removal from the back of the horn.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
I have also begun to work out how the negative space around the ram's head will look relative to the path it is breaking through.
The lines marking the cracks in the path have disappeared due to the removal of horn material, but they will be reapplied and carved into the horn in a future phase.
This shot shows the stock removal from the back of the horn.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 5) by Shane Wilson
May 11, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In this phase, I have begun to rough out the design on the big horn sheep horn with the angled pattern.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 4) by Shane Wilson
May 10, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
When cutting out sections of the horn along the thinner base, I have found that it is better to carve the grove with a rounded over straight burr, rather than try to cut the section with a saw.
This prevents the horn from binding on the blade, which horn is prone to do.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
This prevents the horn from binding on the blade, which horn is prone to do.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 3) by Shane Wilson
May 10, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
The bandsaw was used to remove larger stock along the edges of the design.
The sheep horn catches the saw when it encounters the border between the solid outer portion and the inner pulpy section. This can be a little dangerous, so it is important to hold the horn securely.
It is possible to see how solid the horn is along the cut sections.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
The sheep horn catches the saw when it encounters the border between the solid outer portion and the inner pulpy section. This can be a little dangerous, so it is important to hold the horn securely.
It is possible to see how solid the horn is along the cut sections.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 2) by Shane Wilson
May 07, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
As so often happens, things change.
I started off with the concept of the two rams charging each other and had in mind a kind of Mobius curve, wherein each horn was carved along a path from tip to base and back up the other side, curving over on itself at the end of which the ram's head, to be realized abstractly, would be carved at the moment when the ram drops into the collision at the end of the charge.
But the more I worked the idea the more I liked the concept of the ram breaking through its own path.
The idea is synonymous with a personal journey toward maturity.
We are all the product of a history, a past, the end product (for the moment) of generations upon generations of those who have gone before. We are the product of family, culture, religion, race, on and on.
Part of becoming an adult is coming to terms with our heritage as we make our own way, not completely breaking with the past but nearly so.
These two sculptures form a set, each telling the same tale of individuation and maturity, but from the perspective of two very different personalities.
The one is cool the other hot.
The left horn shows the ram shattering its way through its path, like breaking glass or fracturing ice. The right horn shows the ram melting through its path, molten tears evident in its wake.
Angles and Curves.
Appropriately, this sculpture set has been commissioned by a proud father for his two sons, each different - both making their way in the world.
I am going to have to change the name of the sculpture set, but need to give the matter more thought.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
I started off with the concept of the two rams charging each other and had in mind a kind of Mobius curve, wherein each horn was carved along a path from tip to base and back up the other side, curving over on itself at the end of which the ram's head, to be realized abstractly, would be carved at the moment when the ram drops into the collision at the end of the charge.
But the more I worked the idea the more I liked the concept of the ram breaking through its own path.
The idea is synonymous with a personal journey toward maturity.
We are all the product of a history, a past, the end product (for the moment) of generations upon generations of those who have gone before. We are the product of family, culture, religion, race, on and on.
Part of becoming an adult is coming to terms with our heritage as we make our own way, not completely breaking with the past but nearly so.
These two sculptures form a set, each telling the same tale of individuation and maturity, but from the perspective of two very different personalities.
The one is cool the other hot.
The left horn shows the ram shattering its way through its path, like breaking glass or fracturing ice. The right horn shows the ram melting through its path, molten tears evident in its wake.
Angles and Curves.
Appropriately, this sculpture set has been commissioned by a proud father for his two sons, each different - both making their way in the world.
I am going to have to change the name of the sculpture set, but need to give the matter more thought.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Phase 1) by Shane Wilson
April 08, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
In the first phase, the outer material of the big horn sheep horn is removed.
This includes the damaged or broomed portions at the end of both horns.
Note the creamy to black coloration of the horn, with some translucence beginning to appear.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
This includes the damaged or broomed portions at the end of both horns.
Note the creamy to black coloration of the horn, with some translucence beginning to appear.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Big Horns Ram' (Begin) by Shane Wilson
March 17, 2010 Categories: Big Horns Ram
This commission will be carved into a pair of mountain found horns from a big horn sheep who died of natural causes.
The commissioner asked to have a sheep head and abstract pattern carved into each horn, which will be given as gifts to his two sons.
For the purposes of the In Progress narrative, the horn on the left will be known as Left Horn, and the horn on the right will be known as Right Horn.
The name of the piece is a play on words between the medium and the subject matter. The horns will be carved to give the appearance, when the two horns are placed together, of two big horned sheep ramming. These are also very big thick horns, from a mature, adult, male, big horn sheep.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
The commissioner asked to have a sheep head and abstract pattern carved into each horn, which will be given as gifts to his two sons.
For the purposes of the In Progress narrative, the horn on the left will be known as Left Horn, and the horn on the right will be known as Right Horn.
The name of the piece is a play on words between the medium and the subject matter. The horns will be carved to give the appearance, when the two horns are placed together, of two big horned sheep ramming. These are also very big thick horns, from a mature, adult, male, big horn sheep.
(big horn sheep horn carving, big horn sheep horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Full Musk Oxen Horn - Final Phase) by Shane Wilson
October 21, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
The final phase of work on the musk ox horns is complete.
The detailed carving on the right horn is finished and the horn sanded to about 320 grit with flap wheels mounted on the Foredom H Series grinder. It was also necessary to clean the horn with a damp cloth to remove residue from the stand making process.
Compressed air was used to remove carving debris and dust from the recesses of the carved horn and bone, then a few coats of lacquer were applied (from a spray can).
The lacquer seals and protects the surface of the carving and enables the wonderful translucent properties of the musk ox horn.
The last portion of this sculpture to be completed will be the bronze wolf skull, which needs to be chased and patinated.
(musk ox horn carving, musk ox horn sculpture)
The detailed carving on the right horn is finished and the horn sanded to about 320 grit with flap wheels mounted on the Foredom H Series grinder. It was also necessary to clean the horn with a damp cloth to remove residue from the stand making process.
Compressed air was used to remove carving debris and dust from the recesses of the carved horn and bone, then a few coats of lacquer were applied (from a spray can).
The lacquer seals and protects the surface of the carving and enables the wonderful translucent properties of the musk ox horn.
The last portion of this sculpture to be completed will be the bronze wolf skull, which needs to be chased and patinated.
(musk ox horn carving, musk ox horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 4) by Shane Wilson
February 06, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
In this phase, the design elements were carved to establish their position, relative to each other and to the background. Most shapes have been refined. A few of the shapes have been removed to allow for the surrounding shapes to 'breathe'. This serves to enhance the feeling of depth in the work. It is sometimes difficult to determine the optimum shape density in the design phase, so edits occur during the carving phases, when it possible to see the 3-D effect more clearly.
LINKS: Work in Progress Video
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
LINKS: Work in Progress Video
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Left Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 5) by Shane Wilson
January 17, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
In this phase, I have finished refining the left horn. There may seem to be little change from Phase 4, but the difference between the phases represents about 40 carving hours, primarily concentrated on the fine detail work, including the cleaning up of angles, lines and the smoothing of surfaces.
LINKS: Work in Progress Video
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Left Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 4) by Shane Wilson
November 24, 2008 Categories: Self Portrait
In this phase, I have continued to refine the shapes in relation to each other and to work the base level around the horn.
LINKS: Work in Progress Video
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 3) by Shane Wilson
January 23, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
I have begun to deepen the background on the right horn to match the depth on the left horn. This will enable the pattern to stand out in high relief, once it is carved.
LINKS: Work in Progress Video
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
LINKS: Work in Progress Video
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 15) by Shane Wilson
June 17, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
The front portion of the right musk oxen horn has been completely carved.
Now to finish the rear portion of the right musk oxen horn.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 14) by Shane Wilson
June 10, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
In this phase, the front side of the right musk oxen horn has been further refined and is almost finished.
I have used various sizes of the ball shaped burr in this phase, starting from the larger ball on a 3/32" shaft, working down to the smallest ball shape available on the same sized shaft.
Remaining to be done are some touch up details, undercuts and the final sanding on the right musk oxen horn.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
I have used various sizes of the ball shaped burr in this phase, starting from the larger ball on a 3/32" shaft, working down to the smallest ball shape available on the same sized shaft.
Remaining to be done are some touch up details, undercuts and the final sanding on the right musk oxen horn.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 13) by Shane Wilson
June 03, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
In this phase I have reworked the background again, so that it is uniform around and along the entire right musk oxen horn. This has been challenging due to the shape of the musk oxen horn, which is never uniform as it tapers to the point. I have begun shaping the end of the musk oxen horn, so that it appears to flow out of the design at the same level as the background.
The design has also been further refined and shaped along the entire musk oxen horn.
I have been finding that musk oxen horn tends to be very hard on tools, dulling burrs easily and clogging the bearings in the micro-motor grinders which I rely on heavily. I have sent two hand-pieces for repair so far and will likely need to send a third. These hand-pieces cost about $1000 each. To give some sense of the wear and tear of musk oxen horn vs moose or caribou antler, I generally send one hand-piece for repair (new bearings) every two or three years when carving moose or caribou antler. Why the difference? Perhaps it is the toughness of the hair-like material that makes up the musk oxen horn, tougher even than dall sheep horn.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
The design has also been further refined and shaped along the entire musk oxen horn.
I have been finding that musk oxen horn tends to be very hard on tools, dulling burrs easily and clogging the bearings in the micro-motor grinders which I rely on heavily. I have sent two hand-pieces for repair so far and will likely need to send a third. These hand-pieces cost about $1000 each. To give some sense of the wear and tear of musk oxen horn vs moose or caribou antler, I generally send one hand-piece for repair (new bearings) every two or three years when carving moose or caribou antler. Why the difference? Perhaps it is the toughness of the hair-like material that makes up the musk oxen horn, tougher even than dall sheep horn.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 12) by Shane Wilson
May 25, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
These two shots, taken at different angles, show further shaping and refining work on the right musk oxen horn.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 11) by Shane Wilson
May 02, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
The entire surface of the right horn has been worked in this phase. The front, broad portion is nearing completion. The mid section is showing some progress but there is much more to be done.
The brown pencil crayon markings show where I will carve next. I use pencil crayon and not pencil, because the pencil crayon's waxy texture keeps it on the surface of the work, where it is easily carved away. The graphite in a pencil tends to find its way into nooks and crannies, potentially remaining to alter the final finish.
(musk ox horn carving, musk ox horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 10) by Shane Wilson
April 22, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
I have worked the back surface of the horn in this phase. Not quite there yet ...
(horn carving, horn sculpture)
(horn carving, horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 9) by Shane Wilson
March 04, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
The upper portion of the rough area on the right musk oxen horn has been leveled slightly, to allow for better flow of the overall composition.
The entire horn has been further carved and refined with attention paid to the composition of the right musk oxen horn just above the rough area. It needs to work from multiple angles and I am still trying to determine the best combination and form of the shapes, particularly the circular ones.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
The entire horn has been further carved and refined with attention paid to the composition of the right musk oxen horn just above the rough area. It needs to work from multiple angles and I am still trying to determine the best combination and form of the shapes, particularly the circular ones.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 8) by Shane Wilson
March 03, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
The composition of the upper portion of the horn needed some adjustment. The before shot (below) shows the portions to be removed, the after shot (above) shows those portions removed and further areas for consideration.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 7) by Shane Wilson
February 24, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
In this phase, I have concentrated on a preliminary shaping of the front, broad section of the right horn. The shapes are beginning to take on a life of their own! You may notice that the rough portions, above and below the carved portion, have been smoothed over and refined. The top edge has also been removed to simplify the overall line of the right horn.
Below note that more shaping has taken place along the length of the horn, the red areas indicate places where the lower background is to be further refined.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 6) by Shane Wilson
February 13, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
On the forward facing side of the right horn (below), I have begun to round over some of the shapes. There is still plenty of messiness and I'll need to make some more decisions about which elements to keep and which to remove.
You can see below that the rear portion of the horn has been cleaned up and the lower level more clearly defined. I have yet to do any shaping and there are still some tricky passages that have yet to be resolved, especially the knotty bit, midway up on the right.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
You can see below that the rear portion of the horn has been cleaned up and the lower level more clearly defined. I have yet to do any shaping and there are still some tricky passages that have yet to be resolved, especially the knotty bit, midway up on the right.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 5) by Shane Wilson
February 11, 2009 Categories: Self Portrait
Further fine tuning of the depth of the background and the positions of some of the shapes, relative to each other, has taken place. It is important to keep the lowest plane even throughout the carving to create the impression that the carved elements are actually on top of the horn itself.
Note that the marked areas are the next to be adjusted or carved away in the next phase.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
Note that the marked areas are the next to be adjusted or carved away in the next phase.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Beginning) by Shane Wilson (musk oxen horns and bronze skull)
January 30, 2008 Categories: Self Portrait
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)(bronze carving, carved bronze sculpture)
The intention for this commission, is that I carve something of my own design from a set musk oxen horns and partial skull.
The horns come from Banks Island in the Northwest Territories. Musk Oxen were reintroduced on the island some years ago and have flourished, due in part to lack of natural predation. It is therefore necessary to cull the herd each year, to keep the size of the herd sustainable, and it is from this cull that these horns were taken.
After playing with a variety of ideas for this sculpture, I have settled on the notion of an abstract self-portrait, combining the musk ox horn with a bronze human skull. The horn lends itself to a life 'story', starting narrowly in the black on one side (birth), growing to a massive middle with a break (midlife), and narrowing again to black on the other side (death). The skull presides over its life story and remains, along with some of life's fruit, when the story is done.
'Self Portrait' (Left Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 1) by Shane Wilson
February 29, 2008 Categories: Self Portrait
The design on the left side represents the first half of life, up to middle age. In an abstract way, it will illustrate the formation of self and its tentative, creative efforts at identity and life-work. I have retained some of the original horn surface, serving to illustrate the dross we inevitably produce as we go along.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Left Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 2) by Shane Wilson
March 21, 2008 Categories: Self Portrait
I have roughed out the first portion of the design on the left horn. The depth of the carving has not yet been established, but the initial pattern is in evidence. I have used the NSK micromotor tool with a 3/32" rounded burr to outline the design and a 1/8" inverted cone to remove waste and create definition.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Left Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 3) by Shane Wilson
November 10, 2008 Categories: Self Portrait
Step 4
In this phase, several sequential pictures from the past two months illustrate progress as the depths of the background and abstract shapes are established and refined. It has been interesting to discover just how much material is available for carving within a musk oxen horn. The texture and colour of the horn changes from the upper, white, striated, surface, through the middle, clear, toffee-coloured section to the inner, dark and striated core.
Step 3
Step 2
Step 1
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 1) by Shane Wilson
March 15, 2008 Categories: Self Portrait
The design on the right horn is more complicated and yet more unified than that on the left. It signals a consolidation of the self-identity and life-work of the individual.
This consolidation, and the working through of the accumulated dross of one's life, yields precious fruit, one's legacy.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)
'Self Portrait' (Right Musk Oxen Horn - Phase 2) by Shane Wilson
April 07, 2008 Categories: Self Portrait
I have roughed out the first portion of the design on the right horn. The depth of the carving has not yet been established, but the initial pattern is in evidence. I have used the NSK micromotor tool with a 3/32" rounded burr to outline the design and a 1/8" inverted cone to remove waste and create definition.
(musk oxen horn carving, musk oxen horn sculpture)