Joy of Chip Carving: Step-by-Step Instructions & Designs from a Master Carver

By Wayne Barton

The final book from the leading icon in US wood chip carving, Wayne Barton offers his expert instruction and inspiration based on a lifetime of study, understanding, practice, and achievement. Detailing his philosophies and methodologies on line and design, how to layout, carve, and finish, and even including his highly sought-after Barton Capit

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing
• Release date: Dec 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9781607657095

Wayne Barton

Wayne Barton is an American-born professional woodcarver who lives in Park Ridge, Illinois with his Swiss wife, Marlies. First given an interest in woodcarving at the age of five under the tutelage of his Norwegian grandfather, he has had a serious interest in, and love for carving all his life. Wayne took his formal training in Brienz, Switzerland, the woodcarving center of that country. Although versed in all disciplines of carving, he specializes in chip carving and has devoted the last forty-plus years to its advancement. Single handedly, he has been the driving force of the recognition and renaissance chip carving has enjoyed in North America this past quarter century.Wayne is the founder of The Alpine School of Woodcarving, Ltd., the oldest establishment in North America specializing in, and dedicated to the education, training, teaching, and encouragement of chip carving. In addition, he teaches at a variety of other venues including colleges, clubs, institutions, and organizations across the United States, Canada, and in Switzerland. He is also a visiting artist/lecturer at the esteemed Chicago Art institute in Chicago, Il. His carvings are sought after by collectors and can be found in private collections around the world. Wayne Barton’s work has been recognized and honored in special exhibition at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. In 2005, he was named woodcarver of the year by Woodcarving Illustrated. Today, he continues carving, teaching and introducing others to this most enjoyable, decorative and easy-to-learn style of carving.

Book preview

Illustrationillustrationillustration

JOY OF

CHIP

CARVING

Step-by-Step Instructions & Designs from a Master Carver

WAYNE BARTON

illustration

To Marlies. The journey is miraculous.

© 2019 by Wayne Barton and Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

Joy of Chip Carving is an original work, first published in 2019 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. The patterns contained herein are copyrighted by the author. Readers may make copies of these patterns for personal use. The patterns themselves, however, are not to be duplicated for resale or distribution under any circumstances. Any such copying is a violation of copyright law.

For a printable PDF of the patterns used in this book, please contact Fox Chapel Publishing at [e-mail], quoting the ISBN and title of this book, as well as the pattern or patterns required.

Print ISBN 978-1-4971-0056-5

eISBN 978-1-6076-5709-5

The Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress.

To learn more about the other great books from Fox Chapel Publishing, or to find a retailer near you, call toll-free 800-457-9112 or visit us at www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [e-mail].

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction

Tools and Materials

Sharpening

How to Hold the Knives

The Cutting Knife

The Stab Knife

Carving Tips

Understanding Line and Design

Definition of Lines

Elements of Composition

Design Suggestions

Candleholder Project

Borders

The Barton Capitals

Foliated Alphabet

Gallery

About the Author

illustration

Acknowledgments

This book may be viewed as a journey through my chip carving career, which has been encouraged and inspired by an extraordinary number of talented people. I have enjoyed the warmth and pleasure of their friendship. Not wanting to risk the omission of any, I would like to say at once to all, thank you for what you have given and what we have shared. You know who you are.

Because this journey has been a long one, I must reach back in time to recognize a few in particular who traveled along with me influencing the work within these pages.

Though recently deceased, any acknowledgment would be incomplete without a mention of Gottlieb Siegfried Brandli, the master Swiss cabinetmaker and dear friend with whom I worked and traveled for more than thirty-five years. He designed and made the pieces I carved during this time.

An acknowledgment of my very long, hearty friendship and collaboration with Roger Strautman specifically needs mention. We have worked together and collaborated on numerous carving projects. His bright and cheerful sense of humor always made each one a delightful experience and always has me looking forward to the next.

Equally important, my long association with Rick Switzer has treated me to bountiful, fresh conversations that are both enriching and intuitive, reaching far beyond design and carving. We have traveled extensively teaching classes together. Besides being a superb carver, his genial, insightful nature makes him the perfect instructor.

David Crothers, Bruce Nicholas, Joey Wade, and Bill Johnson, all creative artists and carvers, have been dedicated to this journey and have kept me company along the way. So, too, I’d like to thank