I was contacted by a lady from Manchester who wanted a gargoyle carved in oak for her partner; because of her partner’s interest in wartime aircraft, she requested that the gargoyle be wearing a flying jacket, hat and goggles…..different!
I had a bit of difficulty sourcing a good chunk of oak, cut away from the heartwood, but Piercy Hardwoods in Aberdeenshire was recommended to me, and before long the block of oak was delivered.
The customer had approved the drawing, so I then transferred the design to the block of oak.
I don’t like using electric tools, but sometimes you’ve got to be sensible. I had a lot of roughing out to do, so used my Arbortech to get rid of a bit of the waste. After taking the bulk off (first picture) I was back in my comfort zone with a chisel and mallet.
Gradually shaping the Gargoyle.
Slowly adding more detail.
With the body well on the way, I turned my attention to the wings, again using the Arbortech to get rid of the large amount of waste.
I had a bit of a surprise as I got further into the Gargoyle’s left wing and found a big lump of rot, or a knot, or maybe even a bit of knotty rot!
There wasn’t a lot I could do, so I just decided to work with it; a damaged wing actually complimented the fighter-pilot theme! Another issue was the big thick leather jacket ~ if I kept that the same between the wings, the wings themselves would look quite stumpy and small. As it was I dropped his back beyond the jacket, showing his spine; it would mean that his jacket had been cut to fit around his wings, which is possible, isn’t it? Rather that than stumpy wings anyway.
The wings carved with bat-like folds, and the spine.
The it was time to give the collar and cuffs a textured finish, to look like a flying jacket, and give him a few coats of oil.
My partner Annette christened the little chap “Giggles~ a mixture of Gargoyle and Biggles ~ and I’m pleased to say this name has stuck with his new owners!
Strictly speaking Giggles isn’t a gargoyle at all ~ he’s a Grotesque; gargoyles generally carry water ( “Gargoyle” having the same root as “gargle”).
Many thanks to this customer and her partner too , who travelled for two hours to pick up the sculpture. Thank you both very much.