Gargoyle Carving #5
This wall hanging sculpture is based upon a design I saw in a book on gargoyles. The screaming face of a fantasy figure rests upon a keystone as you would find in the center of a medieval arch. I've made eight of these so far and plan to make at least two more. All of the faces are slightly different. This gargoyle is made from butternut - a dream to carve with a wonderful grain. I use mostly mahogany and butternut in my gargoyles because of the ease of carving and the color and grain. The finish is Tried and True polymerized linseed oil varnish. I apply several thin coats and finish them off on a large buffing wheel using Menzerna buffing compound. As seen at the Providence, RI Fine Furnishings show.
Function
- wall
Type
- wood
Material
- oak
Material
- mahogany
Meet the Maker
Paul Norman
Forbidden Fruit Designs
Paul Norman has two interrelated businesses. Forbidden Fruit Guitars refers to his lutherie (guitar making) business. Forbidden Fruit Designs includes all furniture and crafts that are not guitars.
Customer Reviews
M. Wheeler
Nov 19, 2012I hired Paul Norman of SherpaDog Renovations to rebuild a large enclosed front porch which had been destroyed by carpenter ants! I was pleased by the variety of cost effective redesign options Paul offered. In the end I chose to add some ornament to my Victorian home. He replaced the exterior plain shingles with scalloped ones, designed a diamond pattern (instead of the common basket weave) for the exterior skirt of the porch, added wainscoting under the interior windows, built a beautiful wooden ceiling and installed casement windows. I was thrilled with the results. Paul's attention to detail and fine carpentry skills resulted in a porch much admired by my neighbors and friends. I recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable, conscientious and creative carpenter. I would definitely hire him again.
Richard Frank
Sep 17, 2012Very good. No problems, builder took time to ask questions and provide suggested design elements.