This week’s blog has something for both carver and client. Whether creating or viewing work can be transformed completely by light. With that in mind, Simon shares some thoughts on the importance of lighting for chainsaw carving sculpture.
Light and Dark Art
Before we talk about the importance of lighting for chainsaw carving sculpture, let’s look at lighting and art in general.
Light is something that is important in different ways for all mediums. One art history legend says Rodin invited one reporter to meet him at midnight to view his sculpture, as the correct way to view it was by candlelight! It’s even become its own art form: luminism.
However, in general, light can
- add depth
- create a 3d feel
- create shadow – this is crucial for chainsaw carving as details like eyes are created through use of shadow rather than colour
- highlight texture
So what does this mean for chainsaw carving?
The Importance of Lighting for Chainsaw Carving Sculpture: For Carvers
In the video below (also available on his YouTube Channel), Simon demonstrates how light completely transforms a sculpture. It also gives you a sneak peek of his current work in progress! He uses the LED light from his Milwaukee die grinder and moves it across the face. In doing so, her features and even the shape of her face appear completely different.
Importantly, you’ll notice that direct light completely wipes out her features!
This means that if you carve with light directly on the sculpture, you may not get the result you want. Simon often uses a work light that he moves around, especially when working on faces. This ensures features have the correct depth, proportions and symmetry. Moving the light will help highlight any errors in details that you may not spot until they’re in different lighting too.
It’s also worth thinking about moving a directional light for your product photography too. Simon advises against using a direct flash as it will wipe out the details. Instead, why not play with lighting from an angle and see which shows your sculpture at its best?
Simon O’Rourke talks about the importance of lighting for chainsaw carving sculpture.
The Importance of Lighting for Chainsaw Carving Sculpture: For Clients
The impact of lighting on a chainsaw carving sculpture has implications for clients too. It’s worth thinking about how you want to light the sculpture and playing around with a portable light before committing to buying anything. How does your sculpture look at different times of the day? If you want to see it at night, does uplighting from the side work best, or something next to the sculpture? What features do you want to highlight?
This doesn’t just apply to an outside sculpture either. Play around with a desk lamp or even the torch on your mobile phone and watch the features change!
Share Your Photos!
If you’re a chainsaw carver (or any artist) why not try moving a light around and see how it affects your work? And clients, why not show us some of your photos showing your sculptures lit from different angles?
And, as always, if you’re interested in your own sculpture or have questions about chainsaw carving that you would like answered in his ‘tips and tricks’ blogs, contact Simon using the form at www.treecarving.co.uk/contact/