[Billy]

Hi everybody.

I haven't been here for a while, but it's always great to see what everyone has been up to, and to get some more hints and tips. Especially when I'm soon to enter the world of carving stone.

Anyway, here are a few pieces I've completed lately. I hope you enjoy them.

Billy

Attached image(s)

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[Mike Ruslander]

Very cool. I like everything about them!

[Mark Strom]

I really like the work...very clean flowing designs. I definitely appreciate the thought and work that went into these pieces, it shows.

Mark

[Nelson Lepine]

Can definitely tell that you got under the surface on these fine pieces! Great shapes and design!

[Ron Scupham]

Love them!!! Wish I could have access to whale bone, really nice large pieces!!! Love the first one, great interpretation of a sperm whale!!

Ron




http://www.etsy.com/shop/dragonrising

[Billy]

Thanks guys. Ron, the first piece was inspired by the legend of Tinirau and his pet whale, Tutunui, an old Maori legend. A tale about who laughs last....

Thanks again.

[Yuri]

Well, Billy, I just have to ask...
Where do you get the whale teeth from?
You don't need to answer, though. That is, if it is from your iwi.
Cheers

[Billy]

Hi Yuri.

The teeth that are displayed here were actually picked up at a second hand shop in Marlborough. Most the teeth you find in the region are from the Perano whaling station in Tory Channel. Not the nicest history, but the way I see it, I'm bringing back some beauty to otherwise forgotten creatures, and giving them the respect they deserve.

I love whale teeth as a medium. If I get one from a stranding, or from the old whaling days, I figure by creating some art from it, I honour the spirit of the whale, and use the energy from these magnificent creatures to channel into the piece, making it an invaluable taonga (treasure) for the recipients to pass down to future generations.

Thanks for your interest, B.

[ebz]

Kia Ora Billy,

I just want to say your work is gorgeous... I absolutely love them, especially the whale tooth

Cheers Ebz

[Billy]

Hi Ebz

Kia ora for your kind words.

B

[Yuri]

I agree, it is an incredible medium. I keep on trying to find some, so far not with much success. Soe years ago I have managed to carve a tiny marionette using two of them. Unfortunately no photos.
Good to see them being turned into works of art.

[lauri]

Billy, on Mar 24 2010, 07:44 AM, said:

Hi everybody.

I haven't been here for a while, but it's always great to see what everyone has been up to, and to get some more hints and tips. Especially when I'm soon to enter the world of carving stone.

Anyway, here are a few pieces I've completed lately. I hope you enjoy them.

Billy

Nice carvings, Billy, it will be interesting to see in to which way you will be heading with stone carving. Time will tell. Don't forget to show items you are going to make. All the best, Lauri.

[magnus homestead]

Hello Billy,
Wow!! Thanks for carving these pieces and for posting the photos to share with us.

These are so inspiring. You have indeed brought the proper respect to the Spirits of these magnificent creatures.
Thanks again.
~Magnus~

[MikeG]

Billy,
Fantastic mate. What sort of findings do you use ? I think that's what they call them ...... how it fastens behind your neck. Be good if you could post a pic.
Cheers
Mike.

[Billy]

Hey Mike. Thanks for your comments.

I don't use "finding" as such, I loop one cord around the other and bind it to itself, then do the same to the other. Creates an adjustable lashing for the wearing. See attached.

Attached image(s)

• 

[Billy]

Thanks Ron. Look up the legend of Tinirau and his pet whale, Tutunui. My interpretation is from this Maori legend.

[paul]

Wow, that 's amazing work Billy, great carvings !! Beautiful, those pieces are they all 'pendants' ? I was wondering because they seem to be big for use as a pendant. Greetings from a Belgian stone sculptor, Paul. (gallery website: http://www.paulholbrecht.net)

[Billy]

Hi Paul. Thanks for your comments. Yes they are big. It is not unusual for Chief or prominent tribal member, even warriors to wear large pendants around the neck. It can be a sign of status and mana (power). Having said that, I would expect the purchaser to use most of these as a display piece rather than adornment. Thanks again, Billy.