Master's Theses

Department

Art

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Wood has peculiar qualities which make it particularly adaptable to the carving of human figures. Wood is, by nature, vertical in its upward movement and growth quality. It is solid and strong, a characteristic applicable to man in his greater moments. It has a natural grain pattern, which is suggestive of growing and living things, able to move in all directions. And it is warm and tactile. In a brief comparison between Figures III and IV, a marked difference between carving in wood and carving in stone can be noted. Figure III (page 6) is carved in alabaster and is presented here to show quality differences in carving of the two mediums, stone, and wood, as well as to show a continuation of thought by the artist in terms of subject matter and idea. Figure IV (page 7) has been done in cedar. Alabaster is not vertical by nature, nor has it any particular growth quality. The natural grain pattern does not follow the stone, (Note the severe diagonal running through the back of the figure) as it does in the wood, but appears at random in different intensities. This is not to say that the stone is not beautiful in itself. It is merely to point out that it is not a material which is dependable in terms of a natural, yet workable pattern. The stone is naturally cold to the touch, absorbs the heat of the day, and yet appears unnaturally soft. Because of these qualities stone can be easily adapted to most any subject matter, particularly to more horizontal subjects. The following illustrations are accompanied by notes given in explanation of the subject matter of the carved pieces. The subjects represent ideas which the artist feels are particularly adaptable to wood alone. Any other medium would only weaken or limit the statement.

Keywords

Woodworking, Alabaster, Sculpture, Handicraft, Creative ability, Fort Hays State University, Busts, Bas-reliefs

Advisor

Dr. Joel C. Moss

Date of Award

Summer 1966

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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