Woodworker's Journal 1993-17-4, страница 28

Special Techniques

Carved lellers arc probably the most demanding woodcarving subjects, li is nol because letter carving is especially difficult. Instead, the problem lies in the fact that we are-much more critical in how we view letters. AH of our lives we have grown accustomed to the mechanical precision of printed words in books and newspapers. As a result, we expect a certain degree of perfection in lettering. Furthermore. our eyes have developed a remarkable ability lo notice minor variations and imperfections in size and spacing.

And yet. letters carved in wood are still an impressive and dramatic way to communicate any message. The tool marks in handcarved letters add a dimension of warmth lacking in the mechanically printed word.

One of the most legible types of lettering to use is the Roman style. This form of lettering was developed by the ancient Romans for the inscriptions 011 their monumental architecture. They wanted a style of lettering thai would be

easy to read front a considerable distance. Two thousand years later their letters arc still the standard of crispness and readability.

It is believed that the key elements of the Roman style evolved as a result of carving in wood and stone. ITie variations in thick and thin lines were intended to creatc a subtle shading and balance of light and shadow when the carved letters were viewed under natural light.

Tlie small triangular-shaped ends of

Photo

I hc Woodworker'". Journal

Kick and Kllen Rut/.

Photo I

Photo 2