Faces carved on the handle of an antique potato masher Totem Pole fashion is an example of the Old Carver’s Law: “Don’t let any wood go un-carved.” This style of carving is an exercise of letting the carver’s imagination guide the carving knife to transform a non-distinct wooden handle into a carved novelty.  The faces are examples of caricature face carving that fit the shape of the wooden handle.  This carving project was a gift to someone who collects antique potato mashers  as well as wood carvings of many artists.  I was honored to do this carving for these special friends.

The photograph journey that follows contain close up views of each face to capture the detail of each carved face.

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Once all the faces were carved they received the “Painting Softly” method of using artist oil paint and boiled linseed oil.  A coat of Deft completed the finishing process.

Most often the carver finds a piece of wood to fit a predetermined carving project while occasionally the shape of the wood will determine the carving project.  Either way the carving journey leads to discoveries of creativity that makes the carving journey new and exciting each time the carving tool shapes any piece of wood.

Always remember the Old Carver’s Law: “Don’t let any wood go un-carved.”