Santero Pete Ortega Carves Figures From Native Woods

Author: Gussie Fauntleroy

Modern-day Michelangelo: Santero Pete Ortega carves distinctive figures from pieces of wood
Pete Ortega has been called “the Michelangelo of woodcarving.” Like the famed Italian Renaissance sculptor, Ortega “sees” a figure within the natural shape of uncarved material—in his case, gently twisting cottonwood root or other wood native to the Southwest. With skills honed over almost 45 years, he deftly removes the excess wood, allowing the saint or angel or animal he knew was in there to emerge.
Read the rest of the story...CLICK HERE

START WITH SHARP Tools !

–SHARPENING–
    Every carver's got his own recipe for proper sharpening. You'll develop your own as you get more and more into carving. That's why I only gave you a 'short list' above.
   You'll also find that some tools react well to one abrasive medium, while others sharpen better with another, even though all the tools are of good quality and proper hardness. This is because the tools are probably made of different steel alloys (of which there are many). Let's visit some of the tools and techniques. Read the rest of the article...