Shawn Cipa has been carving since 1993. He is the author of several Fox Chapel titles including the popular Wood Spirits and Green Men 9781565232617.
Carving Gargoylesoffers a succinct summary of the history and lore
of gargoyles and grotesques, while making clear the distinction
between these two frequently confused categories of captivating
creatures. With the inspiration offered by the many engaging
photographs of gargoyles in this book, and by following Shawn
Cipa's extremely lucid instructions, it is possible to create one's
own mesmerizing monster.
Shawn Cipa has given us a wonderful and thorough introduction to my
beloved gargoyles. The tutorials are clear and easy to follow. This
is a must-have book for all gargoyle aficionados, not just for wood
carvers.
In this book Carving Gargoyles, Grotesques, and Other Creatures of
Myth, carvers will discover the history and lore surrounding the
gargoyle and his cousins, the grotesque, guardian, chimera,
greenman, imp - and learn to tell the difference between them all.
Scores of color photos show where gargoyles can be found around the
world. And for those wishing to make a creature of their own,
master carver and author Shawn Cipa provides two complete
step-by-step projects for a traditional water-spouting gargoyle and
a classic grotesque. There are also 10 additional patterns for a
crouching imp, a keystone, wall panel, even a cane topper and door
knocker.
About the Author: Shawn Cipa began carving wood in 1993. Already
possessing a solid background in art, it wasn't long before
woodcarving became a driving passion in his life. He began by
carving wood spirits, and soon after tried his hand at Old Father
Christmas.Although Cipa has carved many different subjects by
commission, he admittedly prefers all things whimsical by nature.
Walking sticks, canes, Santas, angels and othermythical characters
are just some of Cipa's repertoire. Cipa was recognized as a
national winner in Woodcraft Supply Corp.'s 2000 Santa carving
contest. He is also the author of Carving Folk Art Figures,
Woodcarving the Nativity, Carving Fantasy & Legend Figures inWood,
and has been featured in Wood Spirits & Green Men, by Lora S.
Irish. Cipa has done several how-to articles for Woodcarving
Illustrated magazine, and continues to provide more of the same.He
does commissionwork from his website and provides pieces to many
international collectors. He hopes to continue his carving
endeavors with unending support fromhis friends and family, who
have encouraged his efforts. About the Book: Peering down from
rooftops with expressions ranging from haunting to humorous,
gargoyles have endured for centuries as an architectural element
designed to divert rainwater or-as legend has it-to ward off evil
and protect the cathedrals, churches and buildings upon which they
were perched. Today, these legendary creatures are as popular as
ever-especially as a form of artistic expression. If you've wanted
to try your hand at carving a gargoyle-or a grotesque, chimera or
guardian-this unique step-bystep tutorial from a renowned
woodcarver will guide you from start to finish. After a fascinating
introduction into the history, lore and actual differences between
each icon, you will learn to carve a Traditional Water-Sprouting
Gargoyle and Classic Grotesque. Once you master the two
step-by-step projects, you'll discover ten additional original
carving patterns, including the Crouching Imp and the Screaming
KeystoneGrotesque.You'll even find patterns for functional
projects, like a gargoyle cane topper and a Green Man door knocker.
Inside the book, you'll also discover: the symbolism of the
gargoyles, grotesques and guardians; expert tips and instruction,
including"Artist Approach" sidebars; secret finishing techniques
for achieving an authentic aged-stone look; professional tips for
securing and mounting yourwork; and gallery photos of ancient and
modern gargoyles found around the world.
Shawn Cipa is the author of some fantastic woodcarving books and
happily he has just added another to his series on mythological
creatures with this look at gargoyles, the grotesque and guardians.
Beginning with an in-depth history of these fascinating characters,
Cipa explores their uses throughout the world, before moving on to
two beautiful step-by-step projects for you to try your hand at a
traditional water-spouting gargoyle and a classic grotesque figure
taking inspiration from Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. There are
patterns for a dragon-lion styled guardian, a green man door
knocker, a grotesque corbel, a crouching imp, and an interesting
intaglio lion medallion, among others. There is even a satirical
take on a woodcarver as a gargoyle, before the book closes with
techniques, and selecting timber and tools. The subject matter is
indeed different to many carving books out there but this tome is
well worth a look. I had a lot of fun pouring over the pages and
feel inspired enough to have a go at one or two myself.
Firstly, I love your work! I just wanted to get in touch with you
and offer a big THANK YOU for your book "Carving Gargoyles....". 2
days ago I completed my first project (The Classic Grotesque - the
one on the front cover) and I could not be happier with the result.
I even surprised myself. I've been a high school Industrial Arts
teacher (woodwork, metal work, technical drawing etc) for 30 years
but over that time, my skills have been channelled mostly into home
renovation and other similar large scale projects. My wife has
always had a fascination for gargoyles, dragons and other mythical
creatures and then about 6 months ago on the British TV series
"Grand Designs" my interest was sparked by a couple who built a
Gothic style house, complete with hand carved wooden gargoyles and
other creatures. It was just after this that I decided that if I
could find a book or a website with some basic step-by-step
instructions, I might actually be able to carve myself a wooden
gargoyle. Onto Google and within minutes I discovered your book and
immediately placed the order. As soon as it arrived a few weeks
later I went out and bought myself a few basic chisels and a nice
piece of "Chile Myrtle" and I got started. Fortunately, a teaching
colleague noticed what I was up to, went to his office and returned
with an old suitcase that belonged to his grandfather. It contained
a beautiful set of about 25 hand-made carving chisels. They were
old, and had not been used for many, many years but they were still
razor sharp and a joy to use. I have made him an offer on the
chisels but he is understandably reluctant to part with them. Your
instructions were excellent and set out in such a way that by the
time I got to the really hard parts (the head and hands), I had
honed my skills on the relatively easy sections and was therefore
able to approach the challenging parts with confidence. Mind you,
to save embarrassment if it didn't work, I kept saying to myself
(and everyone who called by from time to time to see what I was up
to), that I was really just "having a go" to see if I could do it,
and I was quite prepared to abandon the whole project if it didn't
work out. But all went well and now I think I am addicted. I gave
the grotesque to my wife yesterday for a birthday present and she
has already started looking through the book to pick the next
project. Now that I know that this is a pastime I want to explore
further, I am now on the lookout for a more complete set of tools
and I think I'll make myself a carving bench like yours. So once
again, thank you and best wishes.
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