The USS Constitution
The nautical wall decor of this wood carving was modeled after Old Ironsides. The USS Constitution earned its nickname during a sea battle with the HMS Guerriere. The battle took place 400 miles off the coat of Nova Scotia during the war of 1812.
The ship was launched in 1797 and still remains a commissioned ship by the US Navy. While its role has changed throughout history, today it serves as a tool of education and history. The public adoration of the ship spared it from being scrapped throughout time and still is capable of sailing under her own power. Nevertheless its impressive service had it active with the Navy until 1881 where its role changed.
Wood Art In Creation
There are a few historical pieces of wood art that are amazing within its own right. Old Ironsides is one that came to beauty in an unexpected way. Capturing the details of something like a ship or water within a 2d medium is a difficult thing to accomplish.
The wall panel art is a 2.5d cut design. It allows you to feel the art with your fingers as it stands out from the wood. It is cut in such a way that the wood panel makes its own frame and the USS Constitution is at its center.
There is no paint used within the work. The various colors are given from different accenting stains. The most beautiful part which helps to set off the work is the wood itself. Wood grain of this nature is not common to find. In fact you cannot find it within the typical store such as Lowes or Home Depot. It is Maple and the tree which this artwork was made from was taken down by a tornado during a storm. It was locally processed, dried and the artwork created by me.
The one challenge of this piece was allowing the water to stand out and have the ship appear as if it was sailing on the ocean. Several test carvings were made in order to help achieve this. Yet after this was accomplished I knew the work had to be on a special wood grain.
When looking at the ship the grain brings out its hidden beauty aiding in giving definition. It has a feel of seeing the ship in motion. The artwork is comprised from three panels that were joined from the same cut of the tree. This gives uniformity of grain throughout the piece from end to end. I wanted to leave a rustic appeal to the piece as I do with most of my wall art. The edges are smoothed yet squared much like a frame would expect to be. Its finish is matte allowing the colors to stand out minimizing the light reflection from hiding its details.
Artwork More Than Home Decor
This is a larger wall hanging piece which would add beauty to any room as home decor. While a historical piece it also speaks to the exploring spirit we have as a people. The compass gives meaning to our ability to chart a course in life to wherever we wish to be.
In creating wood art I always wanted to bring more definition and meaning to the work than what is commonly seen. Most often items are created just for looking pretty within a setting or room. Rather than being just another piece I desired for artwork that would help define a space. Making pretty home decor isn’t enough.
There should be meaning given within a home or a room. There should be definition that speaks about who you are or where you want to be. Comfort and relaxation is a given yet without definition it becomes hollow and empty. Generic is for Hobby Lobby. Creation of meaning requires something more than places like that can give.
While not every piece within the home must be a work of art, the home is its own blank canvass. Each room can become its own work. What we fill within it an expression of a part of us. Each space can have its own personality and definition. This is an older way of living that has become lost within our fast low budget world of mass produced items.