SOMETHING is better than nothing... Totara and my first attempt.

So, today was the day to have a tutu with Totara.  I really disliked playing around with the MDF off cuts I had lying around and thought "I'm gonna have a go on some Totara".  I pulled out my 'woodcut' chisels to use because I don't think my larger tools are sharp enough.

I picked up some old Totara fence batons from a farm in Tangowahine about a month ago and have an idea of what I want to use them for (watch this space).  Using my electric sander, I roughly sanded parts of the pou to have a go.  As soon as my chisel hit the wood, I instantly preferred carving this compared to the MDF.  Having smaller tools the cuts were very light (which suited me just fine) as I wanted to ease into the skill of carving.

My first design idea was like any other mahi toi that is new to me and based my design concept on "Ko Tangihua te Maunga".  Being a contemporary artist I enjoy creating the visions in my head and my own interpretations of ideas.  I used a maunga-scape shape of Tangihua to create a kind of silhouette first and then thought of incorporating the unaunahi design.

I like to combine traditional with contemporary designs and ideas.  I'm enjoying experimenting with the tools and the different shapes.  I figure if I can use the smaller tools, I should be able to get an idea of what the larger chisels will do.  Loving the practise

 One thing I realise is that if you get the cut clean on the first attempt, you don't need to go back and tidy it up afterwards.  I also realise that good skill saves time so I need to keep tapping away.  I actually like the smaller intricate work but am guessing that may change as my confidence grows.  I was also surprised at the way the piece can talk to you sometimes, for example when I flipped the fence pou over, a design popped straight into my head and I went with it.

A few observations I have made during this first attempt at whakairo are:
1.  I enjoy the 'korero' between the wood and the chisel
2.  I like the relationship between the wood and the chisel, particularly the way the chisel can make the wood shine.
3.  I really love working with Totara.

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first little whakairo experience and look forward to continuing.