Thursday, October 3, 2013

Round and Round – Part Two

I shared a bit about the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum and I showed you a few things from the painting room.  Now I’d like to take you into the carving room where raw wood is shaped and carved and comes to life.  It’s an amazing place – you could spend a lot of hours there.  Each carousel animal starts with an illustration of the finished piece.  Then blocks of wood are chiseled and sanded and shaped into reality.Carousel Carving - Morgan Horse It’s amazing to see the process as each step progresses.  All around the carving room are carousel animals in different stages.  Carousel Carving - Mustang HorseLook on the shelf below the carved horse.  The tail is finished – waiting to be added to the body.Carousel Carving - Mustang Horse 2Once the body is finished, details are added.  First they are drawn onto the wood. . .Carousel Carving - Details DrawnThen, with careful precision, they take shape.Carousel Carving - Details Take ShapeSome carvers had ‘props’ to help them develop accurate perspective.Carousel Carving - ChickenCarousel Carving - Chicken 2This cute bear has glasses.  I can’t wait to return and see her when she’s finished.Carousel Carving - Bear - ArtHer basket has already been carved and is waiting for her.Carousel Carving - Bear - BasketCarousel Carving - BearThe carvers are all volunteers.  You can see that they spend many, long hours to make each carousel animal become reality.  They are committed to their work and their dream to see the carousel in action.Carousel CarversBecause of their hard work – and their passion – someday I may be able to watch my grandchildren ride the Albany Historic Carousel.  And I may be riding right beside them!Carousel Model

7 comments:

  1. This is the most incredible post, wow I do love the carousel figures, they are so unique and the talent for that carving is the most unbelieveable...thank you so much for sharing inside this wonderful place...it was magical..Phyllis

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  2. Nice to see the stage by stage process of making the things. I really love it.

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  3. Aren't these fabulous!? Such artistry, I love seeing them in the raw, unfinished stage as much as the completed product. I always wished I could carve or sculpt like that.

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  4. Thank you for the behind the scenes look! Such talent and attention to detail. And such incredible whimsey! As a bear lover, you know which one steals my heart, LOL.

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  5. These are just so beautiful and what an amazing process. Thank you, sweet friend, for your prayers.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  6. What a cool place to visit. I'm pinning this to my travel board.

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  7. That must be such a fun job! What artists they are! Just fabulous!

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.