Errors in Wood Inlay
Two conspicuous errors are often associated with inlaid designs. The first is the use of woods affording a glaring contrast with that of the project. [Figure 209], [Page 106]. The right contrast of value is established when the inlay seems neither to rise from the surface nor sink through it. It should remain on the surface of the plane to be enriched, for it is surface enrichment. [Figures 210], [211], and [212] are illustrative of pleasing contrasts.
The second specific glaring error is the use of unrelated inlay. As an example, an Indian club is created by gluing many varicolored woods around a central core. The result of the pattern so formed has little relation to the structural lines, fails entirely to support them; and, as a result, should be discarded.
Carving
Carving is difficult for the average beginner in wood working design, therefore merely the simplest forms of the craft are suggested as advisable. [Figure 205a]. If an elaborate design is desired ([Figure 205c]), it should be first drawn in outline and finally modeled in relief by Plastelene. This model is then an effective guide for the carver, supplementing the original outline drawing.
Divisions of Carving
Carving may be roughly divided into the following groups: (1) high relief carving similar to heads, human figures, and capitals; (2) low relief carving in which the planes have been flattened to a comparatively short distance above the original block of wood, such as panels, which are good examples of this group; (3) pierced carving where the background has been entirely cut away in places, such as screens, which illustrate this type; (4) incised carving in which the design has been depressed below the surface of the wood. Geometric chip carving is a representative type of this group. There are possible variations and combinations of these groups.
Rule 6j. Carved surface enrichment should have the appearance of belonging to the parent mass.
