Carving the Human Face: Capturing Character and Expression in Wood [Paperback]

Jeff Phares (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1999

Chronicling all the stages in creating a realistic human face from wood, and illustrated with detailed photographs of more than 20 finished carvings, this book offers a wealth of technical how-to information for woodworkers and artists. Helpful information includes advice on handling tools, tips for working wood to resemble the shape of skin and muscles, and hints on carving realistic hats and headdresses. Also included are more than 20 diagrams that explain facial anatomy and how it relates to carving masks and busts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The photo gallery in the front pages of Phares' book will perfectly illustrate just why you should have this book: the author's face carvings are spectacular."  —Shortcuts.ns.ca

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Jeff Phares is a featured exhibitor at the International Wood Carving Congress and a national level judge. He lives in Roadhouse, Illinois.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565231023
• ISBN-13: 978-1565231023
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,691,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable "how to" reference for woodcarvers & sculptors., April 4, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carving the Human Face: Capturing Character and Expression in Wood (Paperback)

World Champion carver Jeff Phares is kfamous for his lifelike busts and masks and in Carving The Human Face: Capturing Character And Expression In Wood, he shares his techniques for creating masterful human portraits in wood. Part One showcases more than 20 of his current works, focusing in on the wise and weathered expressions of Native Americans, frontiersmen and cowboys. Part Two offers more than 350 instructional photographs taking the aspiring sculptor from a block of butternut to the finished facial mask of a Native American warrior. Part Three of Carving The Human Face includes more than 20 diagrams explaining facial anatomy and how it relates to Carving Masks and busts. Woodcarvers and sculptors will find the material and techniques comprising this single volume "how to" guide and manual to be invaluable in honing their skills and improving their work.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Instructional guide To Wood Carving Ever Writen, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Carving the Human Face: Capturing Character and Expression in Wood (Paperback)

This book is, without a doubt, the best instructional book for wood carvers in the past decade. I sincerely wish that Jeff Phares will do another book soon. I am certainly happy that the book is available through Amazon as his book seems to be selling out at most book stores.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book fo learning to carve the human face., October 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Carving the Human Face: Capturing Character and Expression in Wood (Paperback)

For this being his first book it is very good. It explanes everything step by step, from begining to end.I have my own copy and I am awaiting the next book. You are inspiring to every person who would like to become a woodcarver