 Carved by Kelley Stadelman |
A commission piece for the Providence Portland Medical Center, to be displayed in the lobby of the cancer wing. |
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For this piece, Kelley has selected butternut wood, which has a deep chocolate brown color with prominent caramel colored grain streaks. This wood, while rare and somewhat expensive, carves well and finishes beautifully. The sculpture is first modeled in oil based clay. A light was suspended above the clay model, projecting a shadow onto paper. This shadow was traced, creating an outline pattern, which was then transferred to a laminated blank. The blank pattern was cut out on the shop's band saw, and is now ready for carving. 12/27/07 |
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Oil based clay model - front view |
Oil based clay model - profile |
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Kelley begins roughing out the figure using mallet tools |
The carving is supported by a 50 lb bag of rice (long or short grain, brown or white) which conforms to the shape of the object, but doesn't move around. |
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Oil based clay model - close-up |
Blank and pattern |
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01/02/08 Basic forms are being shaped. |
Top view showing centerlines and beginnings of flowing robes. |
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01/23/08 More complex linen folds develop - chest anatomy in place. Hands and feet are roughed out... |
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02/13/08 The finished figure, now receiving coats of urethane finish, which really brings out the rich color of the butternut wood. |
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02/20/08 The finished figure, mounted on a hand carved mahogany cross. The Risen Christ is now ready for display! |
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02/20/08 Close up of the face |
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To read about Kelley's work with the new Providence Cancer Center, click here |
