Fish

This is a very simple beginner design. The full drawing with complete detail is on left and the diagram of the block lay out is on the right.

Procedure:

1. split the block, cover one slab to preserve temperature and dry ice if necesary.
2. With the first slab cut out the following pieces; A (20” x 20”), Base (15” x 20”), C & D (5” x 10”)
3.Freeze Piece A to Base using an aluminum seam. Apply template marked A to piece A and trace on design.
4.Freeze Second Slab (fish body) to piece A using a handsaw seam. Be sure you dry fit the two pieces together, line up to be sure the template fits properly. Apply fish body template to slab and trace.
5.Attach pieces C & D using the aluminum method.
6.Cut out seaweed piece from body, carve, detail, and set aside. Freezer box if necessary.
7.Cut out two fins, pre-shape and place in freezer box.
8.Cut out first Dimension of entire sculpture starting at top pieces C/D to fish body then Seaweed and base. Remember to leave the temporary support until the end for stability.
9.Block in sculpture by placing the fins in proper locations. Step to the side and try to layer the sculpture in depths. The body is the fattest part of the fish, narrow the head and tail along with seaweed tips.
10. Freeze on Fins according to detailed drawing. The fins will come out perpendicular to the template side of the sculpture at about a 45 degree angle. this will add dimension.
11.Round all corners of your sculpture. Head and Body.
12.Sand all surfaces and remove any over cuts and chainsaw marks.
13.Detail according to drawing.
14.Clean sculpture using appropriate cleaning method.

Note:

There are no detail lines on the diagram and that is how your template should be.

Fact:

This piece had been used by many student carvers in amateur and collegiate events and they easily scored a bronze medal with this design. I have also seen this redesigned for a team event that was 4 blocks 5 hours at St. Joe’s MI. where it scored a gold medal.