For example, computer numerical control (CNC) routers can execute relief much cheaper and faster than by handcrafting. It is worth noting that, as with many skills, modern machinery has made wood carving much easier and more accessible. Whether you are doing low or high relief carving, you need to gather the right tools. Consequently, the raised surfaces cast a shadow upon the lower surfaces, creating a dramatic impression of depth. However, in addition to these techniques, the craftsman also employs a special undercutting motion to skillfully hide the point at which the different areas of work overlap. High reliefs usually start out as low reliefs, using the same methods. The eye-trickery is much more pronounced because the techniques employed create greater emphasis around the edges of the designs. These designs are very popular nowadays because of a general attraction to ultra-realistic imagery. High relief techniques are typically used for dramatic carvings where the images are meant to leap noticeably off the wood surface. In fact, low reliefs often involve an impressive amount of intricate detailing. However, this in no way downplays the level of skill required for this. The edge of one surface slopes down into another, which makes it easy to tell where the different areas of work intersect.Īs a result, there is almost no shadow effect, and a less dramatic 3D image is created. That is, upon completion, the image appears to project only slightly from the wood surface.Īlong with more basic cutting techniques, the craftsman uses stop cuts to carve the design out in definable layers. While this can certainly be the case, it mostly describes the shallow look that the finished carving has. The term “low relief” would seem to imply that a design is carved into the wood at a physically low depth. These refer to the degree that the images project off of the carved surface and the impression of visual depth achieved by each carving technique.
There are two forms of relief carving: low relief and high relief.
#RELIEF VS INTAGLIO HOW TO#
If you want to understand the basics of relief carving, including how to get started as a beginner, keep on reading.
This article will explain all these concepts in greater detail, and will also provide a basic overview of intaglio, which is the opposite of relief carving.
A complete piece has a 3D effect that causes the designs to appear to jump off the wooden canvas in a spectacular illusion. Relief carving is an artistic method of wood carving wherein a craftsman uses various tools to etch images into a flat panel of wood.
#RELIEF VS INTAGLIO PROFESSIONAL#
While this skill can take a lifetime to master, an individual can begin the journey towards professional craftsmanship by understanding the basic concepts and practicing them as a hobby. Relief carving is an age-old technique that is still very popular today.