I've been carving for about a year now, focusing on relief carvings. Lately, I've noticed that my carvings seem to look better after a few months. The varnish isn't as glossy anymore, and something just feels different—better, in my opinion. Is this a common experience for new carvers, or am I overthinking it? And is there a term like 'aging' a carving?
3 Answers
Absolutely, some woods do age beautifully! Like cherry wood—it starts off pinkish and darkens to a gorgeous rich color when left to breathe. It's pretty amazing how time can enhance the natural beauty in your carvings.
You're definitely not alone in feeling this way! Sometimes, after you've spent so much time critiquing your work, you begin to overlook those tiny imperfections. The longer you live with a piece, the more you appreciate its character, which can make it feel more beautiful over time.
I totally get what you mean! When I finish a carving, I'm usually my harshest critic, seeing every flaw I focused on while working. But after a few weeks, I find that I start to like my pieces more as I focus less on those minor mistakes.