![]() It's been a pretty hectic year of travel but now I'm back decompressing at Wildwood and in the studio until January. This has been a gorgeous autumn weekend in Otter Tail County and no better time or place to carve a ball. I've been wanting to carve a large ball for a long time. The objectives were simple: freehand carve a ball as large as a given log will allow without the aid of any measuring tools or templates. Just my eyes and hands. ![]() What began as a 950 pound American Elm log ended up a solid 475 pound wooden ball. I remained true to my goals and was pleased that the ball at least approximates a sphere and has a diameter of a mere 2" less than that of its source log. But as with so many things the true value of this activity was the lessons that were reinforced in the process. ![]() Lesson #1 - The removal of a very small amount of material can have a huge impact on the overall shape. Choose wisely prior to removing or altering a form, it can't be put back. Lesson #2 - Know when to stop. It's critical to determine what is "perfect enough". This is a judgement call which becomes easier the more you do it. The alternative is to keep striving for "absolute perfection" and ending up with nothing. And the final lesson: Simple is hard. Achieving simplicity can be a very arduous journey.
3 Comments
John Bernauer
11/1/2014 02:58:17 am
great job!, Jay. I have tried to make wood balls (much smaller) in the past by freehand and it is very difficult. You are a true master of your trade!
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jim
11/3/2014 06:14:28 am
i like your big balls!! xoj
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About Me:
I'm a contemporary wood sculptor living and working in rural Minnesota. I gather my logs locally and travel the country selling what I make from them. Archives
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