Is wood carving one word

Last Update: Jan 03, 2023

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!

Asked by: David Cremin Sr.

Score: 4.2/5
(59 votes)

a person who makes or carves wooden objects.

Is wood working two words?

Is wood worker one word?

What is the meaning Woodcraft?

1 : skill and practice in anything relating to the woods and especially in maintaining oneself and making one’s way in the woods. 2 : skill in shaping or constructing articles from wood.

Is woodworking a noun or verb?

26 related questions found

The history of wood carving begins at the beginning. Wood carving is a word that refers to the process of cutting wood using either a chisel, a knife, or a mallet to create a wooden figure. This figure, often a sculpture is made solely of wood. When you take a quick glance at the carvings and sculptures made in the past, one thing is clear; wood takes center stage in art both in ancient times and today. You are the type of person who enjoys learning everything there is to know about art, you may be curious to find out the history of wood carvings in the art. According to researchers, wood carving may be amongst the first art types in the world.

Ancient Egypt

To begin the history of wood carving, you must talk about Egypt. When it comes to this art, ancient Egypt has the largest number of wooden art decorations. Researchers believe that this large number of art was because the climate in Egypt is dry.

Wood carvings anywhere else in the world would be affected by adverse weather conditions and attacks from various insects. Within a few months, nothing of the wood carvings would survive. This explains why there are so many wood carvings from Egypt around the world. For instance, in 1860, there were eleven wood carvings found hidden under the sand. It is suspected that they have been preserved there for more than 4000 years. These carvings are what wood carvers today would call relief carvings. Because of the dry climate in Egypt, wood is not as plentiful as it is in some parts of the world.

Carvers, therefore, had to make due with acacia and sycamore trees. The scarcity of these trees made them sacred to the people. This is why most of the carvings made were believed to be inhabited by spirits.

Art during this time is delicate and extremely well crafted. For instance, during the Sakkarah III dynasty age, there were artifacts found made of wood carvings. One stool from this time had legs like those of an animal. This form of art is common in Egypt for thousands of years.

The best art made in Egypt was that of a man made in the vast pyramid of Gaza era. The realism of the expression on the man’s face remains unduplicated by any other wood carving made in Egypt till date. This magnificent piece of art found in the Cairo museum. This piece of art carved from a sycamore tree has its eyes made from pieces of opaque white quartz. There is an excellent line of bronze that surrounds the lid. Transparent rock crystals are used to make its Iris.

Wood carvings are made even accurate and more exquisite in the IV, V and VI dynasties. Perhaps a greater level of detail was observed because it was believed that the spirits of the dead inhabited these statutes. Even with artists trying very hard to copy the original piece of art, none even came close to getting the kind of detail it has.

Wood carved furniture was also very common in ancient Egypt. Most of the furniture was unique with some beds and chairs having heads of animals. Some beds used support from animal limbs such as the paws of a lion.

In all the civilizations, only the most important sculptures of kings and gods were preserved and passed down to generations. Because most of the art did not survive, we can only assume civilizations also kept up with this growing art trend. Books written by Assyrians and Greeks also tell of the magnificent wood carving of those times.

Christian Wood Art

The growth and intensity of Christianity also brought with it the growth of wood carvings. This is more so in the middle ages. Most Christian artists made carvings of the cross and other religious figures from wood.

During the middle ages, art was not about beauty; it was a story the artist was trying to tell through art. This was clear because even entrance doors had small squares. Each of those squares told a story from the old and new testaments using numerous images. In the Monastery of Mount Athos, the finest fragment of the Byzantine art of the 12th centuries still preserved. In the Christiania Museum, there are beautiful designs of wood carved chairs. These are speculated to have existed between the 9th and the 10th centuries. The art is said to have been treated using a broad treatment of scroll strapwork that was suited for softwood. in the Copenhagen Museum there are similar panels.

Gothic Period

When it comes to specification, design and detailed art, no other wood carver has outdone the cover of the 15th century. The art here concentrated on the colors used. All colors were used. However, parts painted white were never left plain. They had a clear decoration of delicate lines and conventional patterns.

In the art of this time, people would work directly with the craftsman, unlike today where people employ contractors to do the work. The level of detail and time taken to work on just one sculpture was too great. Only one man’s vision and talent could accomplish such delicacy. Sometimes, several parts were given to several workers. This brought so much variety and beauty to the carvings. Despite the fact that the mastermind was one person, each crafters uniqueness made the art even more beautiful. Once in a while, you will find a half-completed piece of art. This only means that most of the time, the church acted as the workplace for the many different pieces that needed work.

It is important to know that during this period, art was not about perfection; it was about making the weaknesses of a man known and embracing them.

The Renaissance Period

The Renaissance period also began impacting the great gothic art period. You may think that the change was instant. It was not. A lot of merits is owed to the transition that took place during this period. Perhaps even, this is the reason for the unfinished gothic art pieces found in the churches.

Unlike the Gothic era, art in the Renaissance period had no feeling and details were not as intimate. The best work of this time is no doubt found in France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Here numerous examples of house decorations and furniture. Houses were made of wood whenever there was plenty of timber. The front part of the house gave the carver a lot of grounds to work with.

During the Renaissance period, the idea was that there was a universal man who was the center of the entire universe. This theory developed by Leon Battista Alberti was known as Leon Universal. It because of the idea that carvers adopted. While they did not change the art from being religious per se, they changed the perception of the imperfect man.

As a result, numerous wood carvings of secular individuals began to emerge. This shows you that wood, because of its longevity issues, and the fact that it requires great skills to carve it was not the first choice for many artists. Amongst the most noted productions of this time is the piece by Donatello of St John the Baptist found in Venice. It is preserved in Florence to date.

Classical Period

During the classical period, there was an insatiable taste for marble. Nevertheless, people were so focused on replicating the delicate art made by the Greeks and Egyptians. As a result of this new interest, wood carvings became more common. Doors also had decorations of art. By the 19th century, students were being taught wood art in schools. This was more popular in European curriculum based schools worldwide.

Islamic Art

Islamic carvers from Egypt, Persia, and Spain are renowned for their skills and attention to details. For fittings and furniture, they executed the highest level of decorations and paneling. The most delicate and elaborate woodwork by Islamic carvers is found in mosques and private homes of individuals in Cairo and Damascus. The most common style was to cover the surface with an intricate lacing pattern. These patterns were formed using ribs. The spaces between the ribs would then be filled with wood carved with foliage. They used different wood types to emphasize the art and make it more appealing. Arabs are the most prominent of carving art in flat surfaces. The appreciation of surfaces and lines is well displayed in a gate mosque in Cairo.

Modern Wood Carving

With more and more people educated and the need to express oneself, wood carvings have become more and more democratized. There is versatility in the use of timber, the styles used and the wood combinations used. There are many carvers in modern times that are known for their brilliant works. There are numerous art galleries set up for artists who have done wood carvings. They show the difference in the way artists think, and the various ways wood can be made beautiful. Today, great art is celebrated, enjoyed and loved by most people. In churches, streets, and homes great art is seen.

Check Out Our Informative Articles:

• Carve a Pumpkin Guide
• Walking Sticks Guide
• Pumpkin Puree Guide

1. n часто лес; роща

2. n древесина; дерево; лесоматериал

3. n дрова; древесное топливо

4. n винная бочка; бочонок для вина

5. n изделие из дерева

6. n шар

7. n клюшка с деревянной ручкой

8. n амер. сл. прилавок; стойка

9. n собир. деревянные духовые инструменты

10. a предназначенный для обработки дерева

11. a находящийся в лесу; лесной, дикий

12. a древесный

13. a дровяной

14. v редк. засаживать деревьями, озеленять; сажать лес

15. v редк. запасаться дровами

16. v редк. снабжать дровами

17. v редк. нагружать лесом

18. a арх. сумасшедший

Синонимический ряд:

1. forest (noun) forest; thicket; timberland; weald; woodland; woods

2. timber (noun) board; boards; firewood; hardwood; heartwood; kindling; logs; lumber; planks; plywood; timber

Educalingo cookies are used to personalize ads and get web traffic statistics. We also share information about the use of the site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.

Download the app
educalingo

PRONUNCIATION OF WOODCARVING

GRAMMATICAL CATEGORY OF WOODCARVING

Woodcarving is a noun.

WHAT DOES WOODCARVING MEAN IN ENGLISH?

Definition of woodcarving in the English dictionary

The definition of woodcarving in the dictionary is the act of carving wood, esp as an art form. Other definition of woodcarving is a work of art produced by carving wood.

WORDS THAT RHYME WITH WOODCARVING

TRANSLATION OF WOODCARVING

Find out the translation of woodcarving to 25 languages with our English multilingual translator.

TENDENCIES OF USE OF THE TERM «WOODCARVING»

The term «woodcarving» is regularly used and occupies the 87.346 position in our list of most widely used terms in the English dictionary.

Principal search tendencies and common uses of woodcarving

FREQUENCY OF USE OF THE TERM «WOODCARVING» OVER TIME

10 ENGLISH BOOKS RELATING TO «WOODCARVING»

Discover the use of woodcarving in the following bibliographical selection. Books relating to woodcarving and brief extracts from same to provide context of its use in English literature.

10 NEWS ITEMS WHICH INCLUDE THE TERM «WOODCARVING»

Find out what the national and international press are talking about and how the term woodcarving is used in the context of the following news items.

REFERENCE

« EDUCALINGO. Woodcarving [online]. Available <https://educalingo.com/en/dic-en/woodcarving>. Apr 2023 ».

woodcuttingnoun. The felling of trees, or the cutting of wood. woodcuttingnoun. The process of making woodcuts.

What is the meaning of cutting wood?

woodcuttingnoun. The felling of trees, or the cutting of wood. woodcuttingnoun. The process of making woodcuts.

What is Lino?

Lino, short for linoleum, a common flooring material. Lino, slang for linesman, the former name (still in widespread common use) for an assistant referee in football. Lino, slang for a habitual user of the narcotic cocaine.

What do you cut wood with?

Check out this list of hand tools below for slicing through a wide range of wood.

1. Lathe.
2. Table Saw.
3. Hacksaws.
4. Coping Saws.
5. Bow Saw.
6. Crosscut Saw.
7. Jigsaw.
8. Two-Man Crosscut Saw.

What does a wood plane do?

Generally, all planes are used to flatten, reduce the thickness of, and impart a smooth surface to a rough piece of lumber or timber.

What does cutting wood mean in a dream?

Cutting Wood: This dream indicates that you are utilizing all your strength and efforts to make foundation of your goals. You are building up strategies to reach the goal with all your hard work. Soon you will realize that your efforts are showing positive results.

What is the difference between wood engraving and woodcut?

Woodcuts Woodcuts are made on the long-grained surface of wood, parallel to the grain of the wood. Woodcuts are cut with knives or a graver. Wood Engravings The carving of a wood engraving is done on the end grain. It is not actually an engraving, it is a relief print like woodcut printing.

What does the word new world mean?

The “New World” is a term which is applied to the majority of Earth’s Western Hemisphere, specifically the Americas. The Americas were also referred to as the fourth part of the world.

What is better lino or vinyl?

Both are durable and stable, however vinyl is more suited for high moisture areas, and requires little maintenance in comparison to linoleum. Linoleum is popular in education and healthcare industries, while vinyl is extremely effective and efficient for nearly any commercial interior space.

Is lino flooring good?

Vinyl is the most popular form of resilient flooring (a category that also includes linoleum and cork) because it’s low-maintenance, water-resistant, cost-effective, and long-lasting. It also has the perfect balance of firmness and “give,” meaning it springs a bit when you walk on it for a comfortable feel underfoot.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wood carving is a form of woodworking by means of a cutting tool (knife) in one hand or a chisel by two hands or with one hand on a chisel and one hand on a mallet, resulting in a wooden figure or figurine, or in the sculptural ornamentation of a wooden object. The phrase may also refer to the finished product, from individual sculptures to hand-worked mouldings composing part of a tracery.

The making of sculpture in wood has been extremely widely practised, but doesn’t survive undamaged as well as the other main materials like stone and bronze, as it is vulnerable to decay, insect damage, and fire. Therefore, it forms an important hidden element in the art history of many cultures.^[1] Outdoor wood sculptures do not last long in most parts of the world, so it is still unknown how the totem pole tradition developed. Many of the most important sculptures of China and Japan, in particular, are in wood, and so are the great majority of African sculpture and that of Oceania and other regions. Wood is light and can take very fine detail so it is highly suitable for masks and other sculpture intended to be worn or carried. It is also much easier to work on than stone.^{[citation needed]}

Some of the finest extant examples of early European wood carving are from the Middle Ages in Germany, Russia, Italy and France, where the typical themes of that era were Christian iconography. In England, many complete examples remain from the 16th and 17th century, where oak was the preferred medium.

The oldest wood carved sculpture, the Shigir Idol carved from larch, is around 12,000 years old.

Methods and styles[edit]

• Chip carving
• Relief carving
• Scandinavian flat-plane
• Lovespoon
• Treen
• Whittling
• Chainsaw carving
• Florentine carving

Techniques[edit]

Pattern,
Blocking,
Detailing,
Surfacing,
and Smoothening

Tools[edit]

• 

  Carving knives

• 

  Carving knife used to round a corner of a piece of wood

• 

  V-Tool used to part lines and cut V-shaped channels

Basic tool set[edit]

• the carving knife: a specialized knife used to pare, cut, and smooth wood.
• the gouge: a tool with a curved cutting edge used in a variety of forms and sizes for carving hollows, rounds and sweeping curves.^[2]
• the coping saw: a small saw that is used to cut off chunks of wood at once.
• the chisel: large and small, whose straight cutting edge is used for lines and cleaning up flat surfaces.^[2]
• the V-tool: used for parting, and in certain classes of flat work for emphasizing lines.
• the U-Gauge: a specialized deep gouge with a U-shaped cutting edge.
• sharpening equipment, such as various stones and a strop: necessary for maintaining edges.

A special screw for fixing work to the workbench, and a mallet, complete the carvers kit, though other tools, both specialized and adapted, are often used, such as a router for bringing grounds to a uniform level, bent gouges and bent chisels for cutting hollows too deep for the ordinary tool.^[2]

Wood carving process[edit]

Selection[edit]

The nature of the wood being carved limits the scope of the carver in that wood is not equally strong in all directions: it is an anisotropic material. The direction in which wood is strongest is called «grain» (grain may be straight, interlocked, wavy or fiddleback, etc.). It is smart to arrange the more delicate parts of a design along the grain instead of across it.^[2] Often, however, a «line of best fit» is instead employed, since a design may have multiple weak points in different directions, or orientation of these along the grain would necessitate carving detail on end grain, (which is considerably more difficult). Carving blanks are also sometimes assembled, as with carousel horses, out of many smaller boards, and in this way, one can orient different areas of a carving in the most logical way, both for the carving process and for durability. Less commonly, this same principle is used in solid pieces of wood, where the fork of two branches is utilized for its divergent grain, or a branch off of a larger log is carved into a beak (this was the technique employed for traditional Welsh shepherd’s crooks, and some Native American adze handles). The failure to appreciate these primary rules may constantly be seen in damaged work, when it will be noticed that, whereas tendrils, tips of birds beaks, etc., arranged across the grain have been broken away, similar details designed more in harmony with the growth of the wood and not too deeply undercut remain intact.^[2]

Probably the two most common woods used for carving^[4] in North America are basswood (aka tilia or lime) and tupelo; both are hardwoods that are relatively easy to work with. Chestnut, butternut, oak, American walnut, mahogany and teak are also very good woods; while for fine work Italian walnut, sycamore maple, apple, pear, box or plum, are usually chosen.^[2] Decoration that is to be painted and of not too delicate a nature is often carved in pine,^[2] which is relatively soft and inexpensive.^[5]

Sculpture[edit]

A wood carver begins a new carving by selecting a chunk of wood the approximate size and shape of the figure he or she wishes to create or if the carving is to be large, several pieces of wood may be laminated together to create the required size. The type of wood is important. Hardwoods are more difficult to shape but have greater luster and longevity. Softer woods may be easier to carve but are more prone to damage. Any wood can be carved but they all have different qualities and characteristics. The choice will depend on the requirements of carving being done: for example, a detailed figure would need a wood with a fine grain and very little figure as a strong figure can interfere with ‘reading’ fine detail.

Once the sculptor has selected their wood, he or she begins a general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. The gouge is a curved blade that can remove large portions of wood smoothly. For harder woods, the sculptor may use gouges sharpened with stronger bevels, about 35 degrees, and a mallet similar to a stone carver’s. The terms gouge and chisel are open to confusion. Correctly, a gouge is a tool with a curved cross-section and a chisel is a tool with a flat cross-section. However, professional carvers tend to refer to them all as ‘chisels’. Smaller sculptures may require the woodcarver to use a knife, and larger pieces might require the use of a saw. No matter what wood is selected or tool used, the wood sculptor must always carve either across or with the grain of the wood, never against the grain.

Once the general shape is made, the carver may use a variety of tools for creating details. For example, a “veiner” or “fluter” can be used to make deep gouges into the surface, or a “v-tool” for making fine lines or decorative cuts. Once the finer details have been added, the woodcarver finishes the surface. The method chosen depends on the required quality of the surface finish. The texture left by shallow gouges gives ‘life’ to the carving’s surface and many carvers prefer this ‘tooled’ finish. If a completely smooth surface is required general smoothing can be done with tools such as “rasps,” which are flat-bladed tools with a surface of pointed teeth. “Rifflers” are similar to rasps, but smaller, usually double-ended, and of various shapes for working in folds or crevasses. The finer polishing is done with abrasive paper. Large grained paper with a rougher surface is used first, with the sculptor then using finer grained paper that can make the surface of the sculpture slick to the touch.

After the carving and finishing is completed, the artist may seal & colour the wood with a variety of natural oils, such as walnut or linseed oil which protects the wood from dirt and moisture. Oil also imparts a sheen to the wood which, by reflecting light, helps the observer ‘read’ the form. Carvers seldom use gloss varnish as it creates too shiny a surface, which reflects so much light it can confuse the form; carvers refer to this as ‘the toffee apple effect’. Objects made of wood are frequently finished with a layer of wax, which protects the wood and gives a soft lustrous sheen. A wax finish (e.g. shoe polish) is comparatively fragile though and only suitable for indoor carvings.

Traditions[edit]

The making of decoys and fish carving are two of the artistic traditions that use wood carvings.

Gallery[edit]

• 

  Japanese wooden mask depicting demon.

• 

• 

• 

  Yombe-sculpture, 19th century

• 

• 

  Carved gallant genre scene with figurines from Val Gardena, 18th century

• 

  Carving of a unicorn by G&H Studios, Somerset, England

• 

• 

  Carvings for sale on a beach

• 

• 

  Pulpit in Church of St Peter and St Paul in Mechelen

• 

• 

  Porte Hugues Sambin, door of the old Parliament of Burgundy and the current court of appeal of Dijon (Côte-d’Or, France)

See also[edit]

• List of woodcarvers
• Chainsaw carving
• History of wood carving
• Woodcut
• Woodturning
• Woodworking
• Wood carving in the Marquesas Islands
• Woodcarved Catholic saints in the Parish Church of Ortisei, northern Italy
• National Wood Carvers Association
• Woodcarving events:
  • Woodfest Wales
• Arborglyph, carvings made in the bark of living trees

References[edit]

•  This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Archives and Records Administration.

External links[edit]

• Woodcarving Magazine
• Best Wood for Carving
• India Tamil Nadu’s Thammampatti Wood Carving to get ‘Geographical Indication’ tag

Are you looking for a hobby that allows you to create beautiful keepsakes or practical items without spending hundreds of dollars just to get started? Wood carving checks all of those boxes.  

This article explains the basics of wood carving, including the tools, terminology, and types of wood carving.

Wood carving is a type of woodworking in which people use knives, chisels, and other hand-held wood carving tools to create figures or designs in pieces of wood. Woodcarvers make everything from duck decoys, cufflinks, and epic three-dimensional storybook scenes to furniture, home decor, and life-sized sculptures of animals or people. 

The language of wood carving

When woodcarvers talk about their craft, they mention the tools they use, the kinds of wood they carve, and the types of carving they do. 

Wood carving tools

A wood carver’s most basic tools are carving knives, such as whittling knives, chip carving knives, and hook knives. Whittling knives are all-purpose tools while chip carving knives feature a thin, short blade that allows carvers to chip away small bits of wood. A hook knife, or spoon knife, has a bent blade shaped like a hook and is ideal for carving spoons and other pieces with hollowed-out areas. 

Chisels and gouges make it easier to carve curves and angles. Chisels have flat edges while gouges have curved edges and rounded ends. Gouges allow the carver to scoop out chunks of wood. When woodcarvers carve grooves or add detail to their carvings, they often use a veiner, a special gouge with longer sides. If their project needs angles rather than curves, they’ll choose a V-tool (or a skew chisel).

Chisels and gouges differ in size and the amount of curve—or sweep—they have. A tool’s size and amount of curve are known as its profile. In a typical toolset for woodcarvers, each instrument would have a different profile.

Among the nearly endless supply of carving accessories, two critical items are a wood carving mallet and a sharpening tool. Woodcarvers use a mallet to strike the ends of chisels or gouges so they can make a deeper cut into the wood block. 

Carvers keep their tools sharp by using a wood carving sharpening tool such as a stone or a belt grinder for initial sharpening and a strop to polish the edge of the tools and remove burrs that sometimes appear during the sharpening process. 

Types of wood

A block of wood is classified as being either a hardwood or a softwood. Softwood is easier to carve and generally less expensive than hardwood. Beginning woodcarvers usually start by carving a softwood like basswood, butternut, or pine. 

Although their hardness makes them more challenging to carve, hardwoods often have a distinct hue and a defined grain. Because of this, experienced carvers sometimes prefer working with hardwoods like cherry, mahogany, or black walnut. 

Types of wood carving

There are several types of wood carving, each of which employs unique methods and requires specific carving tools. However, they share an essential characteristic—they require the carvers to use very sharp tools. Many woodcarvers wear safety goggles and wood carving gloves to protect themselves from cuts and flying bits of wood.  

Here are 5 common types of wood carving. Most of them work well for beginning woodcarvers. The exception is chainsaw carving, which is generally best suited to experienced carvers.

Whittling 

Most woodcarvers start by whittling. They find a small piece of softwood and use a pocket knife to create a toy or a trinket. Whittling is the most basic type of wood carving since the only essential tools are a wood carving knife and a honing strop.

Chip carving

Chip carving starts with a flat piece of wood. Carvers “chip away” bits of wood to form a design in the wood’s surface. Chip carvers use gouges as well as carving knives. 

Relief carving

In a relief carving, the design protrudes from the piece of wood, giving the piece a sense of depth. Relief carving is one of the oldest forms of wood carving and requires a variety of carving tools.

Carving in the round

Carving in the round yields a completely 3-dimensional piece. The design can be viewed from any direction because the wood is carved away from all sides. Depending upon the design they choose, folks carving in the round may need knives, chisels, gouges, and V-tools.

Chainsaw carving

To do chainsaw carving, carvers fit a chainsaw with a special blade. They also need a grinder and sanding tools if they desire a smooth finish. Safe chainsaw carving requires the carver to wear safety boots and earplugs as well as gloves and goggles. 

Who carves wood, and why?

Artifacts from around the globe reveal that people have been carving wood for centuries. Why is it still popular with people of all ages? One compelling reason is that wood carving lets artists and craftspeople create something useful, lasting, and beautiful using only their two hands and a few small tools. It’s easy to get started into wood carving, and there’s a perfect project for virtually every carver. 

Additionally, several characteristics of wood encourage people to become woodcarvers. As a carving medium, wood is:

• Plentiful. Trees grow abundantly in many parts of the world, ensuring a constant supply of wood.
• Easy to use. Basic hand-held tools will carve wood. 
• Varied. Each variety of wood has a unique color, hardness, and grain pattern.
• Lasting. Wood that’s finished or protected from the elements will last several lifetimes.
• Versatile. Wood can be fashioned into virtually anything.

Learn more about the tools woodcarvers use in our guide: Best Wood Carving Tools for Beginners.

Last Updated:
8 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences