Earthstar Magic

So, I was on my way Friday morning to see a woman about a totem pole, (which is a nice way to start a Friday) when I passed these beauties off the trail at Teaneck Creek Conservancy. I'm a fungus lover in general, but I've always found earthstars particularly magical; I'm not sure why.

Side Project in Progress: 2

A somewhat belatedly posted (you can see my uncompleted piece for the soon to come down Rumble Above the Clouds exhibit in the background) picture of a new(ish) work in progress. I've refined the body a good bit and the weight of the pose is clear though the head and feet are only very roughly blocked in. From this side you can see the gray staining in the wood, which I kind of like as a bit of texture. In the end this is not going to be a pristine china finish piece...

Carving Mary: Day 10

She's pretty close to done now. Some more refinement on the face and hands, and a little more definition in the robes, and that's about it.  The level of cracking though out the project has been pretty controlled, so that it adds to the effect rather than being distracting. I'm curious to see how she'll look once she weathers to a uniform finish, part of the project that is nature's job not mine. Soon to be the next step, thinking about some kind of partial shelter for the piece since a softwood carving like this will not last indefinitely exposed to the elements.