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Article written May 2003 by: Wayne Barton, Director, Alpine School of Woodcarving
Ltd. Lettering can be the most important part of a chip-carved piece. It can personalize or document a carving with names, initials and dates. It may also leave a permanent message or thought for posterity. This is precisely the direction one of the finest carvers I know has taken his skills. David Crothers of Hatboro, PA has gained a much deserved reputation for his superbly lettered pieces. His growing clientele has continued to order multiple carvings, and for obvious reasons. David has met every challenge his commissions present with extraordinary results. A perfect example would be the box carved for the Aloha Island
Coffee Co. of Beverly Hills shown here (all photos are of David's
work). At first glance it appears to be just another well lettered
panel until you look at the knife beside it and realize that the
cursive line on the bottom has letters only 1/8" high. Extraordinary!
This certainly dismisses the myth that additional little knives
are needed for small, intricate carving. When a design calls for
delicate cuts, use just the tip of your normal chip carving knife.
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All of the pieces shown here are basswood but finished differently. Note that the majority of David's lettering is cursive. It's a more difficult style, particularly at the size David carves, but it has the appearance of being handwritten, making it more personal or intimate.
Note also the design work around David's lettering. It is cohesively complimentary rather than overpowering or appearing to be unrelated motifs thrown together. Give attention to the accurate, even spacing between the words setting a rhythm for reading.
The plate of Pele , Hawaiian goddess of the volcano is cleverly designed so that her hair is actually the flow of the volcano. The lines depicting the folds in her tunic are correctly varied in width indicating a third dimension. If all the lines had a similar value this effect would be lost.
Lettering seems to frighten a lot of carvers. Like every other aspect of carving, it has rules and guidelines. But with a little practice, it becomes a lot less scary. For anyone interested in this part of chip carving, much can be learned from studying the work of David Crothers, an excellent carver, dear friend and all-around nice guy.
Thanks David, for sharing.
