It may be a little hard to tell, but I carved this diptych so that they can be hung with either piece on the right or left. The top orientation must be respected, but the sides of the pieces flow into each other regardless of which is on the right or left. I hope that this meets with your expectations, I'm very satisfied with the outcome. I look forward to seeing them in the BarbEric.
The pieces weigh in at about 4 and 6 pounds. I find it curious that there is that big of difference, it must have to do as much with the density of the wood as anything else.
Back fabrication:
I finished the backs. These images illustrate the process: grinding the welds; cutting out the access panel; preparing the surface for patina; fabricating the mdf backing frames (I removed as much material as I could to reduce weight). The wood will be mounted to these frames in the morning. I'm excited to have you see the finished product, I'm super pleased. I typically put an "Blacksmith" wax on the steel, but with the salt water air that these will be subjected to I applied a clear coat on top of the patinated backs to prevent rusting. I will do my best to get great images of the final diptych that will show the patina better than these do.
A closer look:
Getting close:
One of my favorite things - applying oil:
One down and one to go:
Initial Carving:
I got the initial carving completed. This is what I think of as the "watching sausage being made" stage. I have the vision and am excited about what I'm seeing in my head, but at this stage in the process it doesn't always come off that way. I am being aggressive with the stock removal on the back side in an effort to reduce weight. Once dried I may take the side depth down a little more, to be determined. At this point I brush a waxy wood sealer on the end grain to reduce or eliminate end checking during the drying process. The pieces will begin with a "soft or slow" dry which means they just kind of sit there uncovered at room temperature. I will then introduce a fan to circulate air around them, finally I will add a low heat in a dehumidification chamber. Once dry I will begin the final shaping and finish sanding with abrasives. That will be the next stage that I will be checking in with you.
In the Beginning
Off and running. These images show the source Cottonwood log and my Alaskan/chainsaw mill set-up for slabbing your carving blanks. This is indeed the unique grain pattern I was looking for.
Project Summary:
Diptych will consist of 2 panels measuring 15"W x 15"H overall
Material will be highly figured (birdseye burl) Eastern Cottonwood
Wood will be mounted to 18ga mild steel back (1/2” deep pan)
Steel back/pan backing material will be of lightest material available
Steel "reveal" surrounding wood will be approximately 2.5” (to be determined)
Steel backs will feature a chemical patina, exhibiting a mottled appearance.
Hanging cleats and instructions to be included
Darkened mounting screws included (mounting option)
The cost for the Diptych will be $4,000. Plus net cost of shipping.
You will receive shipment to the Seattle, WA area by 20 April 2024