Engraving for two years

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Everyone

Thanks for all those kind words. It's put a smile on my dial all day.

Brian.......I couldn't agree more to a post you made in another thread. The engraving forums are the most invaluable tools we have. When you read about people like Ron Smith and Sam Welch that had very little, if indeed any contact with other engravers early in their careers, then we are truly blessed.

For someone like me, at the bottom of the world, the things I've learnt and the friends I've made through the forums and FEGA is truly amazing. I count my blessings every day.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[ddushane]

Andrew, I'm amazed and jealous And in only two years, Wow. Simply stunning! Thanks for sharing. Dwayne

 

[Michael Orticelli]

With my very little engraving experience I suppose my highest complements on the technical mastery of your work isn't really worth much. But from a design perspective this is stunning and from what I have studied thusfar, very unique. Beautiful proportions and flow, and it seems the themes work perfectly within the architecture of the item engraved. I think I can speak for most beginners that this sort of master work is a major inspiration and extremely humbling at the same time. Thanks for sharing!
Michael

 

[Michael McGrew]

Sounds like you and I have been engraving about the same length of time. Man, what a difference talent makes ;-). Beautiful design and execution! If I could engrave that well I would quit my day job here in the computer industry. I would like to ask a few questions if you don't mind: What types of gravers, graver point geometry, techniques, equipment do you use? I see the original drawing in the background of the photos. Do you draw your designs actual size or "larger-than-life"? What did you use to darken the background? Keep up the outstanding work. I might post one of my attempts if I get up the nerve.

 

[FANCYGUN]

Hi Andrew...........the photos look better than the rough layout drawings you sent me. Way to go !!!!

Marty

 

[Sandy]

Andrew,
The bird is your signature. Great Job. Have you done any fishing?

Sandy

 

[Steve223]

I hope i can engrave as well after 5 years

 

[Peter E]

Amazing work Andrew. As was mentioned, everything you post is better than the previous. Seeing the progress you have made makes me wonder if I will ever get to the level of skill I desire!

Time will tell I guess.

It is a pleasure as always to see your work.

Thanks,
Peter

 

[Andrew Biggs]

Hi Michael

90 degree gravers for the main cuts (55 degree face) and shading (45 degree face) with heels ranging from 15 degrees to 35 degrees. All the drawings are done as big as I can on A4 paper (letter size) using the techniques that are in my Corel Draw seminar for FEGA. Then scaled down and transfered using transfer magic.The background is blackened with Speedball printers ink that John B gave me and it's really good. It's a bit greasier than paint so dosn't wipe out of the cuts as much. The stippiling was done with one of John B's clever gravers sharpened to a point with a few facets right on the tip. The background was removed with small flats and I'm still playing with the rotary tool. The sculpting on the fence was carved with flats and finished with punches of variouse shapes.

All the main cuts were done, background removed, stippled......then recut the edges/walls (this gives a bit of extra sparkle and tidies them up) then shaded.

Reading all that I just realised how many tools are involved and what a quite lenghty process it is!!!!

Even now looking at it I can see a whole lot of areas that could be improved upon and some faults in the design work.

I have been very fortunate that I've had a lot of good advice from some wonerful people like Marty Rabeno, Rex Pedersen and a whole heap more people (Marcus Hunt, Sam Welch, Jim Small, Tim Adlam, Ray Cover, Sam Alfano etc.) that give their experienced advise freely if we have the ears to listen. And of course my good friend, mentor and walking encyclopedia John Barraclough. The biggest thing is that you just have to do it, make the mistakes, learn from them and move on. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Approach your work with a plan and confidence is another two key things as well.

It's fair to say that sleep is not high on the agenda. The biggest thing of all is I just love doing it. The drawing, engraving, experimenting, prep work etc etc. is all part of the total package that's called engraving.

Definatley post your work for others to look at and ask for critique. You will get good advise that will help improve your work bit by bit and just keep asking quetions and experimenting with what works for you. To be honest I'm not that particulary talented at all...............I just work really hard at it and some days are better than others, that's all.

Sandy my friend...................

October the 1st is the start of the fishing season..........yahoooooooo!!!!! I can hear the flies you sent me begging to be let loose on the rivers of New Zealand!!!!

Cheers
Andrew

 

[FANCYGUN]

OK Andrew....eat your heart out. NO CLOSED TROUT SEASON in Colorado. We use to have to wait until April 1st back in NYS..

 

[joseph engraver]

you have done well it looks like you will achieve pro status .

 

[Tezash]

Congradulations Andrew,

It is remarkable progress for two years experience. The design composition and the engraving are very clean and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Tez.

 

[Steve223]

I like to fish but while you guys are fishin the Hounds and i will be out tryin to catch a bear or 2. And bear season opens the 16th woo hooo...... And a little later in the year Hopefully we will catch a few Lions. I use my hounds so i can catch and release hunt lol.

 

[Sandy]

Andrew,
When you get on the water, send me a picture of the fish you catch. That will be the closest I'll ever get to a New Zealand Trout.

Sandy

 

[pilkguns]

Looks like I am late to the congratulatory party Andy but I am here nontheless. Outstanding work even for a Kiwi (ha). Glad you have posted your anniversary date to really show those naysayers that want everyone to believe it takes years to get good at this. 2 years is more than enough. I know you don't need more compliments lest your head swell up and float off, but I will point out for the beginners the excellant execution of scroll you have under the barrel swell. Most engravers would have avoided this area all together, or used a repeating acanthus leaf pattern that keep the cuts going in an easily cut direction, but you forged right through the valley, put some high heels on your gravers, and danced that scroll right across the Rubicon like it was a flat surface. Well done Mate!

 

[Andrew Biggs]

Thanks for that Scott

Yes that area below the barrell swell was certainley an interesting area to engrave. I think I had the graver heel at about 35 degrees at one stage. Anybody that engraves the insides of spoons or other concave areas has my instant respect, that's for sure.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[AllanFink1960]

I really like the bird heads

 

[Mike Cirelli]

Great work Andrew. I also like the way you did the top strap. It's really going to look nice assembled. Hope you post some pics after you assemble it.

 

[Christopher Malouf]

Hi Andrew,

Think I posted a reply on FEGA a while back when you were starting this. Your work is absolutely perfect. Any plans for that 18" octagonal barrel? Are you going to re-blue, color harden or leave it in the white?


Chris

 

[vanknife]

Andrew,

This is stunning and congratulations on your second aniversary, Keep up the good work.

Cheers

"VAN"