Wood carvings by Maura
Ancient Arts Alive in the 21st Century
If you like what you see on this site please sign my guestbook
THE SACRED COD OF MASSACHUSETTS
I will be making a reproduction of the Sacred Cod of Massachusetts
The original Sacred Cod of Massachusetts
The Wood---Pine
Putting the pattern on
pattern sized at two feet long
Pattern on wood
fish cut out at bandsaw
center lines in place for fins is marked out
inserting the fins is the superior way to do a fish. It can be carved from one piece but the fins would be too weak. The fins go in different directions and in order to give any strength to the fins, the grain must run in the direction that the individual fins go in. While making and inserting the fins is more work for me, it is the way it properly should be done. I have no doubt the original Cod was done this way.
Beginning to shape the body
5 fins drawn out out. these will not be inserted until the fish body is fully shaped.
The front fins will be part of the main body. wood is left in place so these can be shaped properly later in the carving process.
as this is all hand carved, it takes time to shape the cod but coming along nicely
starting to look like a fish
alright, whos gonna clean up
individual fins shaped and marked
first fin in------that dark spot on side fin is a blood drop------yes, as rumored, it is true, blood must be spilled in order to bring a carving to life(In the fine art world artists are now signing their masterpieces with blood so they can be DNA verified in the future to deter forgeries)
top fins in and tail shaped----don't be alarmed I have not carved off my face....will be a Halloween prop. Ha ha
shaping the gills and side fins
bottom fins in......fins and tail looking good
starting to look like a fish
Next steps will be to detail all fins, draw in mouth and carve, sanding then onto scale detail, then for the fun.......painting. not even halfway through the month and coming along nicely. expect to be on schedule for completion by end of month.
The scales bring the fish to life
This is the last time the Cod will be seen in wood. The painting will start in the next few days.
The final stages are the painting and the finishing. The painting stage has begun.
Here a yellow gold base coat is applied.
Base Coat is completed.
Special note to painters and carvers: while this golden color may look a bit garish, it is important that the base coat be bright. As the antiqueing solution (my own special formula- burnt umber, black oxide and payne's grey acrylic paints, very watered down and applied liberally, most wiped off and then re-applied as many times as desired) is applied, it will tone down the base color considerably.
Gills are painted
Details are enhanced.
Antiqueing solution is applied
The Catch of the day!!! It looks pretty good. Someone walked into my shop today and asked where I caught the fish before he realized it was wood so I would say the project was successful. LOL. Cod has now been painted and varnished and will be ready for shipping shortly. This fish has a satin finish and the shine will tone down as it dries. I will have to build some sort of cage around carving for protection during shipping. Ready to ship in the next few days.
The information on the pages of this website is geared toward the beginning carver. I have tried to speak in plain English and in a manner as to be easily understood. As carving carries the inherent danger of using razor sharp tools, power machinery and solvents, the carver (that, being you) must accept full liability for any injuries incurred and is strongly encouraged to be safe in all carving related activities. It is further strongly recommended that the carver seek out many different resources and become educated on the proper use of their tools and the safety involved in using them. The owner of this site (that, being me, Maura Macaluso) bears no liability for your injuries, or for any misprints, missing or incorrect information. It is rumored that a carving doesn't have a soul until there is blood spilled on it. Please don't let the fear of injury deter you in the creative carving process. No guts, no glory,- no pain, no gain,-be safe, not sorry.
Maura Macaluso
Staten Island, NY
917-494-0008
made in the USA
©2006 Carvin' in NYC
Copyright Notice
All rights
to this material are reserved. No part may be reproduced, photocopied or
reprinted in any form, electronic or otherwise, without the express written
consent for authorization.
Original patterns contained herein, may be purchased by individuals and used to
complete their own personal carvings for sale or show, as long as such sales or
shows are not through licensed commercial businesses.
To that end, the author encourages the use of purchased material for personal
and educational use. Mass production and other commercial use of the material
herein, is strictly prohibited by law.