WOOD
SCULPTURE: FINISHING
Wood
sculpture
is the art of making figures or designs in relief or the round by
carving wood. Finishing in wood sculpture means to give the piece or carving a desired or particular surface texture. Finishing forms an integral part in preparing the piece for the
market. The finishes that are most common to the Ghanaian sculptor are
sandpaper, potassium dichromate, water colour, shoe polish and oil paint. A sand paper finishing
Potassium dichromate also known as potassium bichromate or bichromate of potash is also another type of finish used in Ghanaian wood sculpture. It is a bright orange-red solid that is dissolved in water and used to stain wood. It is effective is staining wood that are high in tannin such as oak, mahogany and walnut. The colour it produces depends on the wood but it is generally red to brown in colour.
Water colour is also another finish used by wood sculptors in Ghana. It is a pigment that, when mixed with water as a medium creates a type of paint. Water colour is added to vinegar until the water colour dissolves in the vinegar. The stain is used on the wood to give a slightly silvery sheen.
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| A black shoe polish finishing |
Shoe polish is also used in finishing by the
Ghanaian wood sculptor. It is a waxy paste, cream or liquid use to polish leather
foot wears to expand their lives, maintain and improve their appearance. The
black and brown paste is widely used by the sculptor. It gives a dark and
silvery sheen.
Oil paint is also used as a finish in wood
sculpture. It is a type of slow-drying paint that consists of particles of
pigment suspended in drying oil, commonly linseed oil. The piece is taking into
consideration when choosing the colour.
The
sculptor therefore uses the finishes mentioned above not only to give the piece
a silvery and beautiful look but also to protect it from termite.
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