I've always had a fascination with water. Rivers, lakes, ponds, but in particular the clear running streams home to wild Salmon and Trout. These are stunningly beautiful places, as too are the fish that inhabit them. When revealled, their colours can rival that of any exotic bird. As an artist and fisherman, I am compelled to pay homage to such beauty and have strived to capture it in a variety of media.

Now working with wood, I find it lends well to the depiction of water, having a life of it's own. By using a stain/painting technique over a carved surface I am able to create an effect that is quite unique and truly convincing.









                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           The Process
I first look for a section of hardwood with an interesting, fluid grain. Myrtle wood is ideal as it has a lot of character yet is extremely stable. The grain is used to indicate the flow of water and ultimately dictates the composition and content of the piece. After a series of thumbnail sketches and a lot of staring at the wood, an idea will come to me and I can begin carving.
Though power tools are used when needed, the majority of the carving is done using traditional hand tools. This gives more control, and expression. By lighting the piece from a sharp angle I am able to accurately see the form taking shape. Due to the very subtle undulating movement indicative of water, care must be taken to ensure a natural look. Every contour must be sanded to a very fine grit to avoid any cross-grain issues and then it's ready for colour.



As opposed to painting on top of the wood, the pigment is locked into the wood, using high quality oil based stain. This allows the natural light, colour and character of the wood to come through and creates a transparent effect. Irridescant qualities are added to the fish using cosmetic make up. The piece really comes alive when the finish is applied. The reflecting light changes as the angle of view is changed, as water does. Multiple fine coats of a high-gloss, non yellowing acrylic sealer are sprayed as not to drown the contours of the carving.

The entire process can take sometime, with many layers of pigment and extensive dry times. The carvings can be framed in a conventional way or alternatively they can be incorperated into a custom design feature, such as a mantle piece, a rock feature or even furniture.