Center Line (Bison Mask part two)

Welcome back to the next step in the making of a Bison mask called “King”
The Bison mask is slowly taking shape thanks to my trusty adze. An adze (sometimes spelt adz) is an ancient tool yet it is as effective today in the roughing stage as it was thousands of years ago. The Bison’s features are slowly emerging.

Essentially, I am laying out a design in 3D on the fly. The freedom is great however I am constantly concerned I will remove too much and ruin the mask. In the absence of a blueprint, each cut is guided by the center line.

It seems funny that a single pencil line drawn through center of a mask will ultimately be the most important act in the creation of the mask. This vertical center line runs down the forehead, between the eyes, follows the gentle contours of the nose and finally ends at the Bison’s chin.

Maintaining the center line allows me to achieve symmetry and overall balance.

The future is an exciting place full of the promise of new projects. In this great future I sometimes forget my past. Could it be that dreaming of the future yet still remembering my past is life’s center line?

So I want to acknowledge my past and thank those who helped me along the way.
Thank you (in no particular order);
Grant Berg – for suggesting a blog in the first place (check out www.grantcberg.blogspot.com for some amazing art)
Rick Wolcott – for being a fine teacher and amazing tool builder
Maggi McIvor – for helping with photography, wood sourcing and Tibetan adzes
The Sunset Gang - for allowing me to carve at the office and encouragement
My family – for time, encouragement and understanding
To early Patrons – thank you for believing in my work

-Norm Larsen