I think it looks great, John!
David
David
She didn't like it!!!
Lady called and wanted a sign for her husband's hunting camp. It would probably be outside, or at least inside where temps would flucuate since it's only used part time. She approved the design. So i got a nice piece of cedar, glued it up and commenced to cutting. Applied spar urathane to the natural wood. And wow, hunting camp decor. She thought it should all be same shade. Explained to her the way wood is and each piece is different. She still may take it, but definitely isn't happy. Darn uppity up high class suburbanites. Bet the old man loves it.
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John, from an artisan's point of view, I can see her concerns.
the different colored wood is not suitable for the subject.
the heads of the deer get lost in all the trees in the background. (that area is just too busy).
the two deer bodies get lost in the light colored stripe (totally lost). and the legs have the same issue.
plus - the bodies of the deer has so much detail that they look starved and their bones are showing.
so I fully understand her feelings. (plus, if she was a college major in art, interior decorating, or design is a killer).
BUT - from the man's point of view - it is drop dead gorgeous !!!
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in any wood sign (or project), graphics placement and colors of the background should be a priority.
everything should be well balanced or it will not please the eyes.
in your case, I have had the exact same reaction two times early in my career.
since then, I have learned that 99% of the public knows more about art than I do.
there is more to just putting a piece of wood through a CNC or carving by hand and expect satisfactory results.
you must look beyond the computer screen and into the wood that you are getting ready to process.
I know this is a bit harsh - but this is part of the learning curve.
What I would suggest: find some better wood with consistent grain pattern and colors and make another one.
I would not use cedar as it is just too "flaky". just for your own practice of selecting the right materials for the job.
looking forward to seeing your next projects.
Edit: I forgot to address one thing:
She thought it should all be same shade. Explained to her the way wood is and each piece is different.
wrong response: it is your responsibility to ensure the right materials, grain, color, and everything is correct for a project. you don't just glue some wood together and call it good.
you must use your sight to imagine the end result. (you can't get that on a computer screen).
I would strongly suggest making another one with different materials just for your own benefit. (not for the lady - that ship has sailed).
the different colored wood is not suitable for the subject.
the heads of the deer get lost in all the trees in the background. (that area is just too busy).
the two deer bodies get lost in the light colored stripe (totally lost). and the legs have the same issue.
plus - the bodies of the deer has so much detail that they look starved and their bones are showing.
so I fully understand her feelings. (plus, if she was a college major in art, interior decorating, or design is a killer).
BUT - from the man's point of view - it is drop dead gorgeous !!!
in any wood sign (or project), graphics placement and colors of the background should be a priority.
everything should be well balanced or it will not please the eyes.
in your case, I have had the exact same reaction two times early in my career.
since then, I have learned that 99% of the public knows more about art than I do.
there is more to just putting a piece of wood through a CNC or carving by hand and expect satisfactory results.
you must look beyond the computer screen and into the wood that you are getting ready to process.
I know this is a bit harsh - but this is part of the learning curve.
What I would suggest: find some better wood with consistent grain pattern and colors and make another one.
I would not use cedar as it is just too "flaky". just for your own practice of selecting the right materials for the job.
looking forward to seeing your next projects.
Edit: I forgot to address one thing:
She thought it should all be same shade. Explained to her the way wood is and each piece is different.
wrong response: it is your responsibility to ensure the right materials, grain, color, and everything is correct for a project. you don't just glue some wood together and call it good.
you must use your sight to imagine the end result. (you can't get that on a computer screen).
I would strongly suggest making another one with different materials just for your own benefit. (not for the lady - that ship has sailed).
I would have to disagree on using cedar. While it can hold a lot of color variations, that color can also enhance the carve. Unfortunately for John, the color came out in the wrong spots (according to his customer). Maybe take a little more time when gluing up to better match color variations would be a suggestion. Plenty good for a hunting shack!
Here is a couple of my work using cedar and a natural finish.
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