Columns: Their Use and Origins

Columns are frequently used to support beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest. In architecture "column" refers to such a structural element that also has certain proportional and decorative features. A column might not support any major structure but be a decorative or triumphant feature with e.g. a statue on top.

The design of most classical columns incorporates the inclusion of a slight outward curve in the sides plus a reduction in diameter along the height of the column, so that the top is as little as 83% of the bottom diameter. This reduction tends to make columns look taller and straighter than they are. The Doric Column is the oldest and simplest of the classical orders. It is composed of a vertical that is wider at the bottom. It generally has neither a base nor a detailed capital. It is instead often topped with an inverted frustum of a shallow cone or a cylindrical band of carvings.

The Corinthian Column is named for the Greek city-state of Corinth, to which it was connected in the period. However, according to the Greek architectural historian Vitruvius, the column was created by the sculptor Callimachus, probably an Athenian, who drew acanthus leaves growing around a votive basket. The column is considerably more complex than the Doric or Corinthian It usually has a base and the shaft is often fluted (it has grooves carved up its length). On the top is a capital in the characteristic shape of a , at the four corners. Due to the more refined proportions and scroll capitals, the Ionic column is sometimes associated with academic buildings.

MasterWoodCarvers accurate hand carved renditions of these classical columns bring to the home the ability of these examples of architectural beauty to create a powerful statement in any application that you may use it in.

How Our Carvers Create Relief Carving

Last week we talked about the different types of "relief" found in our carvings.. Today we are going to actually follow each step that our carvers go through to create these architectural gems.

1. Create a pattern drawn on paper
2. Prepare a piece of hardwood for carving. This may be a single piece of wood or a laminated block of wood. Most high quality carvers will use a block of wood that has been created by vertically gluing segments together. This is necessary to keep the wood from warping or cracking.
3. Transfer the pattern to the panel, using carbon paper as the transfer medium.
4. Remove wood around the objects that comprise the pattern.
5. Model (shape) the objects.
6. Detail (do the intricate work) the objects.
7. Clean and smooth out the background behind the objects.
8. By then we have taken a piece of wood and transformed it into a piece of Art.
9. Check our website at www.masterwoodcarvers.com to see all the "art work" we have created to beautify your home.

Relief Carving as Done by Our Master Wood Carvers.

Relief carving is as old as antiquity, yet it is still enjoyed by carvers today. There is essentially no limit to this form of artistic expression. Relief carving is a sculptural form in which figures are carved in a flat panel of wood. The figures project only slightly from the background rather than standing freely. Depending on the degree of projection, reliefs may also be classified as low, deep or medium relief. Relief usually under 1/2" in depth.is considered a low relief carving. A medium relief would be up to 2" and over 2" would be high or deep relief.

All our carvings in other than standalone items in the MasterWoodCarvers catalog is done in relief. Relief carving can be described as "carving pictures in wood". The process of relief carving involves removing wood from a flat wood panel in such a way that an object appears to rise out of the wood. Relief carving begins with a design idea, usually put to paper in the form of a master pattern which is then transferred to the wood surface. Our Master Wood carvers use only hand tools - chisels and gouges - which sometimes require a mallet to drive them through the wood.

As wood is removed from the panel around the objects traced onto it from the pattern, the objects themselves stand up from the background wood. Modeling of the objects can take place as soon as enough background has been removed and the object edges are trimmed to the pattern lines.

In order to secure the wood panel, a workbench with fixtures like bench-dogs, carver's screw or clamps, is necessary. Carving tools come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, some aimed strictly at the hobbyist, but others directed at professional carvers. Some carving tools are held with one hand while the carving is held in the other. But most relief carving requires that the wood panel be secured so that both hands may be on the carving tool.

Next week I'll be talking about how our carvers create these architectural gems. Stay tuned!

Wood Carvings from Master Wood Carvers

Well here we are, it's a brand new year filled with new plans to add quality to your life and take some more time to "stop and smell the flowers".

What better way to add to the beauty in your life than to make your home, where you spend most of your waking hours reflect all these expressions?

Our online catalog at MasterWoodCarvers.com is filled with hand carved architectural details from Corbels, Fireplace Mantles, Stair Case parts and everything in between.

Browse through and be delighted with all the options available to turn your house into a stunning home. And may we all enjoy a New Year filled with health, happiness and surrounded by beautiful things.