This is the first and largest scene I’ve done. It was completed back in 1997. As you can see in the associated photos there is a lot going on at the Gold Nugget. From Diamond Lil beckoning and newly arrived Cowboy to come up and test her brass bedsprings to the cheating cardshark reaching for the Ace stuffed in his pants cuff. Chang Li has the shirts all pressed and is making his delivery while the nester and his wife from out west of town are on their way home after completing their monthly resupply trip. The Banker doffs his hat to the Mayor’s wife while the chickens peck and scratch and dodge the traffic on Main Street. There’s lots to see no matter where you look.
–
One thing you might notice from the early photos of the construction is the disappearance of the Outhouse. While it was a neat little scene in it’s own right I thought it was just too much for the overall project. It’s removal also allowed me to square up the shape of the footprint which really made it a lot easier to transport and we ve carted it just about everywhere in the country. It now rests permanently in the Out West Gallery.
–
Large scenes are fun to make but they take a long, long time. This one moved around the shop for over a year as I kept adding new pieces. There are a lot of small details which could easily stand alone, i.e., the Free Lunch setting on the bar. The leg of ham, the loaf of bread and chunk of cheese was really fun to put together. Even the painting above the door was fun and when it was finished I decided to add the transparent cloth over the lady as there was just too much detail to be Family Friendly. Oh well……I know what’s under that gauze so I guess that will have to do.
–
Just remember, this was carved quite a while ago so I hope you’ll admit that my carving has improved a little.
–
Until then, your comments are always welcome.
UPDATE…January 2013
Just finished tuning up this piece prior to delivering it to the Woolaroc Museum where it will be on permanent display. The only thing it needed was major repair on the bed upstairs. Evidently Diamond Lil was so busy up there that the bed springs gave way. Either that or it suffered a pretty hard bounce on it’s way some where. I think I’ll stick with the first reason…..a much better story.
Hi Lynn! Just spent the last 2 days watching your coal miner videos. It’s so helpful. Thanks for the videos because it’s so hard for me to visualize carving just from reading directions. Actually seeing how you cut and all your tips not only help me to see different ways of carving, but also show me mistakes I’ve been making (like bandsawing the heel ). Thanks especially for the hat help, mostly the rims. Knowing I can make them separately and add on is such an easier way for me to make them, but my mind played tug-of-war thinking I had to carve them directly onto the head.
Very detailed, Lynn ! After the chuckwagon scene i was wondering how many scenes or carvings have you included a ” you” character in . I done one of myself .. was actually alot of fun ! Love the tamale Guy piece!