From Inception to Completion

Every project starts with a pattern and a solid block of wood. The block of wood shown above has already been honed into the relative shape of the bird. A caliper is used to measure the bird's dimensions as the shape is further and further refined. Once the final shape is achieved, the feathers have to be created. There are five steps in creating the feathers:
1) Designing / laying out the feather patterns
2) Creating the relief (i.e. the raised elements)
3) Refinement
4) Stoning (creating the individual feather lines)
5) Burning (a burning tool is used to further articulate the feathers)

This is what the feathering detail looks like after burning.

At this point the carving is complete. The next process -- an entire art form in itself  -- involves painting the bird. First, a sealer is applied to the carving. Then a primer coat called gesso is used. Gesso coats can also be applied in tints to serve as a foundation for some of the top coat colors. Painting is just as challenging as carving as there is never a true consensus on the color of a duck and because subtle shadings are so important in creating a final product that looks authentic.

Here is the final product some 200 hours later. A full scale Pileated Woodpecker.