Document Type
Thesis - campus only access
Date of Award
Summer 1966
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Art
Advisor
Dr. Joel C. Moss
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 g rowing 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 s h ow 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 h eat 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 note s given in explanation to 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.
Recommended Citation
Verschueren, Dorothy, "Wood as a Sculptural Medium for Developing the Human Figure" (1966). Master's Theses. 1026.
DOI: 10.58809/XBYN2514
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/1026
Rights
© 1966 Dorothy Verschueren
Comments
For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu