Architectural Woodcarving in Maricao, PR

 

The first ocean scene column is now complete!! 

And now on to the final post in this collection.  The second ocean scene column, which will have a family of Queen Angel Fish and a dolphin tail leaping for joy!

Architectural Woodcarving in Maricao, PR

The third set of columns have been carved with Passion Flower vines on the top and coquis and grass on the bottom. Here is a closeup of the column near the kitchen  located in the center of the house. The ripe parcha fruit was positioned above the kitchen counter as an inspiration to the chefs. 

Above is a closeup of the passion flower leaves by the kitchen.

And a closeup of the matching column by the spiral staircase.

Here is a photo of the base of the columns carved with a friendly coqui tree frog to greet the visitors.

And below is a sneak peak at the beginning work on the last set of columns with the ocean scene.

Architectural Woodcarving in Maricao, PR

Here is a picture of the finished grape vine columns at the entrance of the dining room.  At the center on the back wall is my coqui and foliage panel perfectly at home in the mountain paradise.

And a sneak peak at the 3rd set of columns, which have evolved from the original design of ivy, to grass and coquis on the bottom of the columns.  The tops of these 10 foot columns will be carved with  passion flower vines dripping from the top.

Architectural Woodcarving in Maricao, PR

The Grape Vine Columns at the entrance of the dining room are well under way.  After carving the design on the first one, I applied some stain to the background and some subtle color with oil paints to the grape bunches, leaf veins, and vines. Then I varnished the post to bring out the rich variations of color.
The first column is completed and the second one is on the finishing touches.

Architectural Woodcarving in Maricao, PR

The first pair of columns with the bamboo motif are finished!  Above, in the top photo you can see how they invite the beauty of the outdoors inside to be enjoyed rain or shine! 

 In the top photo (on the right) is my Puerto Rican Parrot Parrot bird carving of the highly endangered  Amazona Vittata which can be viewed in more detail at  http://www.susanacaban.etsy.com/  There you can view more of my carvings and jewelry inspired by nature.

In the bottom photos are the beginning of the second set of columns at the the entrance of  the dining room. For these, I designed grape vines wrapping around with bunches of grapes to be enjoyed from all sides.

Architectural Woodcarving in Maricao, PR

The first column is completed by day 6 of carving and the second bamboo column is begun.
Enjoying the journey,
Susana Caban

Architectural Woodcarving in Maricao, PR

Working above the clouds on the first column with bamboo design in progress.

cabancompany@gmail.com

Working on site in the breathtakingly beautiful tropical setting of the mountains in Puerto Rico. The view is magnificent and artistic inspiration is everywhere.

The commission entails the carving a total of 8 wood columns from my designs. The customer has chosen 4 different designs to be done in pairs. The first pair of columns will be carved with the bamboo design for the entrance way. These 2 columns measure about 8 feet tall. The other columns will be carved with designs of ivy, grape vines, and an ocean scene. These columns range from 6 to 10 feet tall.

I begin by drawing the bamboo design on both columns, freehand, with a charcoal pencil.

 

After approval of the layout from the customer, the actual carving begins. With the use of chisel and mallet, the design is outlined. This first step is done to define and protect the wanted parts of the design during the removal of unwanted material around the bamboo. You can see in the pictures the beginning phase and how the process begins. At the end of this process, there will be 2 levels, the design and the background. This step will take a couple of days as I am working vertcally, in the round, on very hard wood.

I look forward to be posting my progress and sharing this amazing journey with you all.  If you would like to view more of my work please visit  http://www.susanacaban.etsy.com/

Many blessings,
Artesana Susana Caban