Relief Carving

Carving patterns on wood or stone is an ancient art form. When patterns are carved in stone it is called as a sculpture. Wood carving is a process that is employed not only for its aesthetic value but also in wood furnitures, moldings, doors and frames. Relief carving is a process where certain forms are carved out on a flat piece of wood. It is very different from other wood carving patterns not so much in design as in the way it appears to a person. The carved pattern is a raised pattern that seems to rise out of the wood. This type of carving is very much popular and is used extensively in decorative items. Here we are going to discuss all about relief carving patterns and techniques.

Relief Carving Techniques

To understand relief carving, you need to first understand the concept of negative space. Negative space is a drawing technique where instead of drawing a particular subject, you fill or shade the space around it. When you shade the space around the subject, the subject of your drawing just jumps to the foreground. Relief carving is very similar to this. Here the block of wood is chipped way until the pattern emerges to the foreground. There are three types of relief carving, high relief carving, low relief carving and medium relief carving. Most wood carvers generally opt for low and medium relief carving patterns. When the pattern is raised only slightly from the background it is called as low relief carving. An elevation of ½ inch from the wooden panel can be defined as low relief carving. High relief carving definition is a carved pattern that is raised at least 2 inches from the background.

Low and medium relief carving is best suited for amateurs as it is an easier project to start with. It gives a subtle but beautiful look to wood carvings. High relief carving is used for giving a depth and dramatic look to a carving pattern. For carving on a flat panel of wood, carvers either transfer the pattern on the wood or carve directly without a pattern. If you want to make a carving, then it is better that you work by transferring the pattern on the wood panel. Choose a pattern that is simple and which does not have too many details. Once you have learned the wood carving techniques in relief, you can try out a complicated and detailed carving pattern.

For making relief carving on wood, the wood around the pattern is chipped way slowly, similar to woodworking. The depth of the cuts have to be controlled so that it is consistent. Tools that are typically used for chiseling the wood away are a chisel, carving knife, V-tool and gouge. A mallet is also required to drive the chisel through the wood. After carving one section of the pattern, it is essential to remove any wood shavings and pieces that are dislodged in the pattern. While carving, it is also important that you observe the pattern carefully to make sure that the depth of cut is uniform and the relief carvings are well defined.

This was all about how to carve wood in relief. Sometimes light sanding of the wood might be necessary to give the relief carving a more polished appearance. Many wood carvers prefer to apply a finish to the carving like a wood stain or clear finish. Wood relief carving is a very beautiful art form and many intricate pieces can be using this carving technique.