For thousands of years, the acanthus leaf as a motif has spread through the realms of architecture, decorative items, furniture, marine carvings, signs, and frames. While this decorative element is ubiquitous, until now no one has bothered to describe in writing the process of creating it in detail. 254 detailed color photos, 168 line drawings, and step-by-step instructions teach drawing and transferring patterns, wood preparation, tool sharpening, carving and detailing, and finishing. Two projects are presented, a breadboard and pierced panel, along with a glossary of technical terms and a gallery of finished examples for further inspiration. This book is a must for every wood carver who wishes to add classical detailing to any project.
Bob Yorburg was inspired long ago by the early artwork at Coney Island and has been carving acanthus and other complex details in wood ever since. Hans Sandom has been passionate for carving for over 40 years.
This is the ultimate book on carving Baroque-style Acanthus motifs, ably written by Bob Yorburg and illustrated by Hans Sandom. This book is eminently suitable for anyone who has had a go at carving leaves in relief (like the oak leaf in this issue's Beginner's Corner)and wants to take that type of carving further.
More than just a book of Acanthus patterns, this book includes detailed sections on carving technique and managing tools. The illustrations are excellent and the book includes large sections about how to draw Acanthus leaves and design Acanthus leaf patterns. The photography is of a very good standard:
There a many good colour photographs showing the projects an 'how-to' sections. Included is a gallery of Bob's work at the end of the book but sadly there are no annotations to go with the photos. It would have been nice to know more about the carvings in the gallery but that is the only fault in this excellent book.- The Woodcarvers Gazette, Summer 2016