Making The Butterfly Sculpture
1. The Design
The Monarch Butterfly Wooden Sculpture work in progress update. Most of the carving has been completed, preliminary sanding has commenced and the paint finish is due to go on this weekend, time permitting.
Creating a vision for the piece.
The grueling process of carving.
Behold the final result.
2. Carving the Shape
Initial shaping of the wood.
Adding definition to the wings.
Behold the emerging butterfly form.
The Monarch Butterfly sculpture was carefully shaped from pine wood. Surprisingly light, much of the weight was removed through carving and sanding.
3. Shou Sugi Ban - Burning the Wood
First stages of burning.
Enhancing the texture with fire.
Striking patterns emerge.
Using the Japanese technique Shou Sugi Ban, the wood was burned to highlight the deep carved veins and strengthen the final structure.
4. Painting & Finishing
Paper template for accuracy.
Marking out the butterfly shape.
Rough cuts before detail work.
First cut of the butterfly.
The piece was finished with layers of paint and varnish, enhancing the natural lines and providing durability against the elements.
5. Carving the Antennae
The final stage was carving the butterfly’s antennae. Thin, delicate, and club-shaped, they completed the realistic look of the Monarch sculpture.
Initial carving of antennae.
Refining the fine details.
Deep burned veins add texture.