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  Since the last post on the Christus Rex for All Saints, a lot of work was done on refinements and the hands are finally fitted.    The carving of the figure is now close to its final form.    After ripping the cross members to width, I cut the shape of the ends with a good old fashion coping saw.      Here the cross bar is just resting on top of the vertical with the paper pattern of the figure so we can get an idea of how it will look after they are joined together.   More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label. 

Over the years, I carved a few of these Christmas ornaments that I designed.  

  Refining the hands, feet, crown, and halo of the Christus Rex carving for All Saints church.  Finishing up the feet with nail marks and added fringe to the end of the stole.    Finishing up the hands and preparing them to be inserted in the sleeves.   Refining the points of the crown and shaping the inside of the crown. Thinning and refining the shape of the halo. More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label. 

Since the last post for the All Saints Christus Rex carving, some progress is made on head and hands. Refining the face.   Detailing in the hair and shaping the top of the crown.   Defining the palms and fingers of the hands. More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label. 

 Here are some photos of the continued work on the Cristus Rex for All Saints. Forming the face Giving some shape to major hair movements Starting to shape the hands More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label. 

 Below are some photos taken while roughing out the figure for the All Saints Cristus Rex.   The major forms are defined. Roughing in the movements in the chasuble. I think we are getting a good idea of the form of things. More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label.

   Here are some progress photos taken while blocking out the Cristus Rex carving:   Clamping the piece directly in the bench vise for the heaviest wood removal with mallet and gouges. Further blocking out on the bench (clamped with bench dogs and the bench vise.)  Now it is time to rough in some more refined forms. In order to have more control of the position of the carving, I'm attaching a threaded rod to the back that will allow me to attach the carving to an articulated arm. More posts regarding this carving can be found on this site with the " All Saints Christus Rex " label.  

   Here are some progress photos for the Chritus Rex caving. Basswood cut out on a band saw for the body, arms and hands. The hands will be carved and inserted later to allow the wood grain to run the length of the fingers. This will give the fingers some added strength.   Prepping the surfaces to glue on the wood for the arms. This is done with a combination of hand plane and scrapers.   The arm sections are glued on. The glue must be clamped securely and allowed to dry and cure for at least 24 hours.   With the body and arms cut to shape and glued up, it is ready to start carving. Blog post regarding this carving will have the " All Saints Christus Rex " label.    

It occurred to me to count how many St. Ignatius statues I have made so far. The total came to thirteen. One original for the client to keep and twelve so far for them to give out. Just for fun, here they are: 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 - first copy 2010 - original

  A crucifix carved for a couples new home. It is carved in basswood with a poplar cross. The cross is approximately 20 inches tall.      

  Eagle head relief carved in basswood. It is approximately 3.5 x 4 inches with English oak stain added for shading. A small brass plaque was added just below the eagle to commemorate a distinguished career. This was then presented as a retirement gift.

I added photos of the individual panels of the Annunciation carving. You can see the new photos by following this link . Once there, you can click on the photos to see them enlarged. Let me know if you like having these additional detail photos.

Here is an old photo of a carving I made as a teenager studying with master woodcarver  Ludwig Kieninger . It was based on a carving Ludwig made and one can certainly see his influence. For me, it brings back memories and reminds me of how my work developed over time.

This was a commission for a plaque featuring a verse from the letter of Paul to the Romans (Romans 12:1). It started with a design laid out on the computer using the Inkscape application. This design file was then used to engrave the image on a piece of poplar with a laser engraver. Then the wood was cut to size and the border carved. I sealed the carving with four coats of Enduro-Var water based urethane. After that, I used a Shaker Maple stain to accent the lettering and corner designs. I hope you enjoyed this summary of what went into making this piece. Please let me know if you have any questions about the process.

Here is a photo of the coat of arms for the Highlands School in Irving, Texas. I carved this from poplar and painted it with acrylic and gilt paint. It now hangs over the entrance to one of the school wings. The shield is approximately 3 feet tall. "Semper Altius" on the scroll is latin for "Always Higher".