Carving Gargoyles, Grotesques, and Other Creatures of Myth: History, Lore, and 12 Artistic Patterns (Fox Chapel Publishing) 350 Photos, 2 Step-by-Step Projects, Woodcarving Techniques, Tips, and More

Learn how to carve a gargoyle from start to finish! Step-by-step tutorials for a Traditional Water-Spouting Gargoyle and The Classic Grotesque 12 designs including the 2 practice projects and 10 more original patterns to try 350 photographs including over 100 meticulous close-ups of the step-by-step projects History and lore of gargoyles, grotesques, chimeras, and guardians, and the origins of each Helpful advice on choosing wood, carving tools, finishing techniques, achieving an authentic aged-stone look, and more Craft a legendary architectural element for your home or garden! Peering down from rooftops with their haunting, even humorous expressions, gargoyles have endured for centuries as architectural necessities designed to divert rainwater away from age-old buildings or—as legend has it—to ward off evil and protect the cathedrals, churches, and homes where they are perched! Today, these mysterious beasts are a popular carving subject for anyone looking to add primitive ornamentation in and around their homes, or simply as a form of artistic expression. If you’ve ever wanted to carve a gargoyle, grotesque, chimera, or guardian, or just understand their differences, this unique step-by-step tutorial from renowned woodcarver Shawn Cipa will guide you from start to finish! In addition to being led through the entire carving and finishing process, you’ll also discover fascinating legends, lore, and symbolism about each of these mythical creatures, where surviving gargoyles can be found around the world, and the facts and conjecture surrounding their purpose and meaning. Follow more than 200 step-by-step photos and instructions to create a Traditional Water-Spouting Gargoyle and a Classic Grotesque, mastering woodcarving skills along the way. Then, you’ll find 10 additional original patterns for rowdy characters, like the Crouching Imp and the Screaming Keystone Grotesque, that you can carve on your own, providing new challenges for experienced carvers. You’ll even find patterns for functional projects, like a gargoyle cane-topper, and a green man door knocker. Complete patterns and views of all sides are provided, along with advice on wood grain, tips for an artist’s approach, detailed close-ups, tricks for securing and mounting your work, and a gallery of gargoyles from around the world. From chimeras to gargoyles, this 160-page guide to making mysterious figures will walk even beginning woodworkers through the entire carving process, including finishing techniques to fully capture the haunting and humorous expressions of these popular ornaments. Learn all about the history of gargoyles and follow along to carve your own in wood, with Carving Gargoyles, Grotesques, and Other Creatures of Myth ! With the inspiration offered by the many engaging photographs of gargoyles in this book, and by following Shawn Cipa’s extremely lucid instructions, it is possible to create one’s own mesmerizing monster. —Janetta Rebold Benton, Ph.D., Author of Holy Terrors: Gargoyles on Medieval Buildings This is a must-have book for all gargoyle aficionados, not just for wood carvers. —Walter S. Arnold, Stone Carver and President of the Stonecarvers Guild