more carved steel

[RWJR]

Hello, my name is Russell whiting, I've been carving steel figurative pieces as a fulltime gallery artist for 15 years. But using oxy acetylene instead of carbon rods. Samples of my work have been in the portfolio section for a long time. (address is wrong, I live in Louisiana) I discovered the torch carving while working offshore as a welder/ fitter, by accident and have dedicated myself to it since. I to made the claim about being first, ahh the hubris. Anyway it is good to see other's putting time into this approach, it really is a great way to start sculpting without having to deal with all the expense of casting.
Using the torch with a gouging tip really increase's the productivity and removal of waste, much more than a carbon rod. the molton steam is really a wonder to behold when you know what you looking at. The control can be so delicate, like blowing into a bowl of water at one extreme or a lazer at the other.

[Duck]

Hi Russell, I’m relatively new to this forum and have no idea how to find the portfolio section you mentioned, I would really like to see what you’ve done with the torch set-up, dummy me has never heard of a gouging tip for gas?? I’ve been using different shapes and size carbon and also plasma, but am very interested in the control you spoke of, got any pics? :)

duck

[Arrow]

http://www.thefabricator.com/CuttingWeldPrep/CuttingWeldPrep_Article.cfm?ID=1346

I was just looking too.
Portfolio section:
http://www.sculpture.org/portfolio/sculptorPage.php?sculptor_id=1000060

[Duck]

Hey Arrow thanks for the links, this guy Russell is fantastic!!

[anatomist1]

Nice. Much better variation in composition and dexterity of form than the guy who was on here recently claiming to have invented the world with regards to carving steel.

I hope you don't take offense, but the text on the linked site really needs some basic grammatical editing - just a few altered words and sentences. Getting rid of these problems would make a big difference in the impression you make. I can edit it for you and send the revised text back with just a few minutes work, if you'd like. Just message me privately.

[RWJR]

Hi Russell, I’m relatively new to this forum and have no idea how to find the portfolio section you mentioned, I would really like to see what you’ve done with the torch set-up, dummy me has never heard of a gouging tip for gas?? I’ve been using different shapes and size carbon and also plasma, but am very interested in the control you spoke of, got any pics? :)

duck
You can google my name and see more work

[Duck]

yeah, I did that last night, nice! I see some bandits got a couple of your sculptures :mad:

[WeiMingKai]

Whillickers Anatomist!
You don't think a triumphalist manifesto heralding the advent of new technical genius would jazz up Mr. Whitings post? -jk

(too be fair, a bit of showmanship isn't necessarily a bad thing)

The 'torch carved' flavor the surface planes playing over the elongated limbs of his figures combined with a 'natural/rusted' finish is a very appealing combination IMO. You can picture him using the torch like a chisel/fettling knife to carve the planes out.

[Duck]

Hey guys, right now I’m in the learning curve and am giving my stuff away to family members as gifts (they humor me and say nice things, :D ) but just for kicks lets say I get to a point that this stuff might sell.. would you all do the wordy part for me??

[amalgam]

I am very interested in the subject of carving steel, I have been searching the internet, to no avail. Can some one one tell me where can I find information in that subject?

Thank you

Alfredo

[RWJR]

I have been looking for years and see nothing about carving with a torch, but if you want to know anything about it just ask and I'll do my best to help
here's a piece I made some years ago

[RWJR]

Another pic

[fused]

Very nice sculpture RWJR... are you by any chance this person (http://gallery.trinitygallery.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=48) who makes this work? (http://gallery.trinitygallery.com/index.php/component/option,com_gallery/index.php?set_albumName=Whiting%2CRussell&option=com_gallery&Itemid=&include=view_album.php)

[RWJR]

thats me, Russell

[tobias]

RWJR I almost didnt read your post because I thought it was from that other guy . But I am really glad i did cause your work is amazing way better than the guy who invented carving steel. haha.Thanks for posting you have shown me that there is validity to this technique

[RWJR]

I hope to make a dvd soon, will post when complete

[WolframK]

Hello Russell
Congratulation and respect to your work!
I recognize it as a remarkable sculpture work which is based on the very seldom used methodical access of direct steel carving. As you know I have been supporting “that other guy” from Austria, Ludwig Haas, over the years and in my feeling both of you have been “Pioneering the arena of metal sculpting in their own identifiable way”. In both cases I see a clear concept and - impressing consequence as the basis of success.

I wish you the best for the future and hope that there is a chance to have some contact or cooperation!

Wolfram

[RWJR]

You enthusiasm is appreicated, sculpture needs people like you who develope interest and pursue that interest. you help us all, thanks Russell
if you're ever in this country come by the studiohttp://www.thenestspa.com

[macy]

I just came across this thread from a couple of years ago.
I also carve steel, employing a process developed by the sculptor Al Wilson in the 1950's through 80's. I primarily use an oxy-acetylene torch to carve steel beams. It is mostly a cutting process, but I am interested in trying various gouging techniques as well.

http://macyart.com