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Wood Carvings

I seem to enjoy carving more than anything else. Some of the pieces are made from solid logs but good carving logs are very hard to find. Most often, they are made from glued-up pine boards. I've had great success using old waterbed frames. Actually, the glued up boards give the piece more stability because they don't crack like logs often do. I frequently add other materials to the pieces to finish them off, such as eyes used by taxidermists, salvaged metal wheels, and tin fins and feathers.

I generally rough out the piece on the bandsaw but most of the work is done by hand with carving chisels, rasps, power sanders, and a variety of other tools. Once the piece is completely carved, it's painted then finally coated with shellac.

Surprising as it may seem, it can take almost as long to do a small pig as it does to do a large fish though, of course, the more complex pieces can take a very long time indeed. As with the rest of my works, humor is paramount. I hope these bring a smile to your face.

Canes

I've recently started making canes. This is one of several new ones. As shown in the images, I actually drew this one on paper before making it. That's rare - I usually just see the end result in my head and make it.

The tail on this rat is, of course, a rat-tail file.

Gator Cane

Tooth Cane and Fish Cane

 

Enlarge Image Moose

This sleepy moose (who hates wet feet!) was done on commision, in June, 2003, for a long-time patron of the arts. She gave it to her son as a gift for use in his Vermont cabin. The moose's carved wooden body is capped by a set of metal antlers and leather ears and he stands about 3 feet tall.

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Pop

Pop is modeled after a real guy who owned a local junkyard where I often swapped things for parts I used in my work. Pop was always yelling, "Don't bring me any sh*t!" but he was a loveable guy. The carving is about 2-1/2 feet tall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Crow

This accomodating crow, willing to carry a couple of passengers, is about 18 inches high.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Gator

I've done several alligators. This one sports a leather saddle in case you're brave enough to give it a try. Watch that mouth and tail though! He's about 5 feet long.

 

 

Enlarge Image Gator

Another "friendly" gator, this one with a happy (for now) little fish in his mouth. Check out those "alligator shoes"! He too is about 5 feet long.

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Dog

This friendly pooch was modeled after a dog I once had. He's only about 15 inches tall as shown here, but he wound up on top of a fancy base I made that had drawers for dog biscuits. You can see that he has a biscuit in his mouth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Santa

Santa looks like he may have just finished his long Christmas Eve delivery schedule - he's lost a lot of weight and has a sort of "reindeer in the headlights" look about him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Porky in the Pen

This old pig is about ready to be makin' bacon - he's sure outgrown his pen.The table top he stands on is about 24 inches wide and the table itself is 32 inches high.

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Pigs

These happy little pigs are a very popular item and come in a variety of sizes. They are hand-carved and have leather ears and legs made from twigs. The smallest pig is about 6 inches snout-to-tail and the largest is about 18 inches.

 

Enlarge Image Snake House

One of my recent creations. Better watch out little bird - snakes just LOVE eggs! The snake is about 4 feet long.

 

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Unicycle Pig

This talented piggy is a real performer. He does his high-wire act on a unicycle, wowing the crowds with his balancing skills. This wood and metal sculpture is about 2 feet high.

 

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Gymnast Pig

Another performing pig, who does his balancing act on a golden ball high atop a pillar. This is a large sculpture, nearly 6 feet in height.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Enlarge Image Birds

You probably haven't seen many birds like these flying around your garden, but they'll bring a smile to your face and put a song in your heart no matter where you find them.

These are just a fewfrom a whole flock of fanciful flyers. They range from 8 to 12 inches tall.

Some are on pedestals to go on a table or shelf. Others are meant to hang.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enlarge Image Crane and Snake

With his long legs, it looks like this crane having Mr. Snake for lunch. Still, you can never be sure - that old snake can move pretty fast when he needs to. The crane stands about 3 feet tall.

 

 

 

 

 

Enlarge ImagePiggy Bank

You'll enjoy stuffing your pennies into this happy piggy bank. At about 2 feet tall, he can hold lots of cold, hard cash. And don't worry - you can lock the door to protect your valuables.

 

 

 

 

Enlarge ImageChicken on a Pedestal

Chickens like this are as scare as hen's teeth! (And, as it happens, this one HAS teeth.) She is wearing her Levi's overalls and her high heels, standing on a base with egg details. The sculpture stands about 5 feet tall.

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Enlarge ImageSchool of Fish

Here's a whole school of finny creatures. These brightly colored fish are a great addition to a child's room, bathroom, kitchen, or weekend cabin. Sizes range from about 1 ft. to 3 ft.

 

 

Enlarge ImageBirds on Snakes

Amazing how a snake can balance on its nose and not mind a little bird perched on his tail! These whimsical snakes generally range from about 4 ft. to 6 ft. tall although a few have been even larger. These make a real statement in an entryway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright, 2009, Clifford Earl - All rights reserved.
No images may be used without permission of the artist.

This page last updated August 12, 2010