Is it real or carved

[Mark Sanger]

In Ed's thread the subject of my chili forms was raised by Pete and that he was not sure if I carved them or not.

Certainly the very first as I worked on the concept and composition was a real chili. The rest were then carved, have a look at this one and see ifyou think it is real or carved. ??

[Katchin]

carved, but wouldn't be at all surprised if I were wrong

[Les Symonds]

....... have a look at this one and see ifyou think it is real or carved. ??

I just rubbed the screen with my left forefinger, then rubbed my eyes.....it's definitey not real 'cos i can still see!

Apart from that, knowinghow realistic it looks and Mark's prowess in the workshop, I think I'll reserve judgement

Les

[bodrighywood]

I knew that the first one you did was a real chili but wasn't sure if you had carved any since. Looking at this one I find the stalk the really impressive part. I suppose using a real one permanently would be taking wabi sabi to an extreme LOL.

Pete

[Mark Sanger]

I knew that the first one you did was a real chili but wasn't sure if you had carved any since. Looking at this one I find the stalk the really impressive part. I suppose using a real one permanently would be taking wabi sabi to an extreme LOL.

Pete

Hi Pete

I have used real bamboo with leaves on pieces that have been purchased and although the leaves have shriveled and browned they remain on the stalk and the owner loves the piece even more than when it was perfect so to speak. But not sure it would work with this piece as it is the contrast of red and black which is a major factor in the piece as a whole.

You have not said if you think this one is carved or real, go on what do you think. 

[Les Symonds]

...You have not said if you think this one is carved or real, go on what do you think. 

My guess is that the stalk is natural, but the chili is carved
Les

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Real.

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Carved.

[bodrighywood]

I agree with Les though I wouldn't put it past you to have carved the stalk as well. The fruit is so shiny I am sure it is car paint. May be wrong.

Pete

[edbanger]

Well Mark

I vote carved the stem looks a little to good for it to be real 

Ed

[Mark Sanger]

Thanks for the interest all. It is both the main red section is carved sycamore, finished with automotive spray.  The detail on the green stem is exceptionally difficult to replicate so it is a stem taken from a chili, dried and cured with a liquid that keeps it from changing shape,  coloured with acrylic artists paints as if left would fade to a pale yellow, stuck on the carved part with a metal pin running through the center for strength.

Finally it is all sealed with acrylic lacquer.

It is a fun process to use natural items and cure them to include in pieces as often the textures can not be equaled. 

[bodrighywood]

Clever and very effective.

Pete

[Bryan Milham]

The detail on the green stem is exceptionally difficult to replicate so it is a stem taken from a chili, dried and cured with a liquid that keeps it from changing shape,  coloured with acrylic artists paints as if left would fade to a pale yellow, stuck on the carved part with a metal pin running through the center for strength.

Finally it is all sealed with acrylic lacquer.

Now that's a WiP I'd love to see.

[edbanger]

Very Clever Mark, I like your style

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

See I was right.