Netsuke Tutorial Page 6

Here are the next steps. I've continued refining the masses and planes, constantly referring to the model and the reference pictures. I'll begin deviating significantly from the model from this point on. I'm beginning to pay particular attention to rounding off all surfaces, keeping in mind that a large portion of the experience "viewing" a netsuke is the tactile aspects. It should feel wonderful in the hand, with no sharp points or delicate (and breakable) features. I'm working hard to avoid the beginner's mistake woodcarvers call "profiling." Profiling means the piece takes the overall shape of the original block of material. That's why so many beginning woodcarvings look so blocky. I'll continue to refine the overall shape, often just feeling it and removing or reducing any area that doesn't feel right.

	Carving the Spawning Sockeyes Netsuke
Here are the next steps. I've continued refining the masses and planes, constantly referring to the model and the reference pictures. I'll begin deviating significantly from the model from this point on. I'm beginning to pay particular attention to rounding off all surfaces, keeping in mind that a large portion of the experience "viewing" a netsuke is the tactile aspects. It should feel wonderful in the hand, with no sharp points or delicate (and breakable) features. I'm working hard to avoid the beginner's mistake woodcarvers call "profiling." Profiling means the piece takes the overall shape of the original block of material. That's why so many beginning woodcarvings look so blocky. I'll continue to refine the overall shape, often just feeling it and removing or reducing any area that doesn't feel right.
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