Hand Carving

Carving Video

In this video artist Gabriel Bass carves the front of a torah reading table. Numerous knife carving techniques are employed. General shaping is done with a large straight blade knife. The curved blade knife is even more unique and used for recessed carving. Gabriel often uses this knife very carefully in order to leave a texture that attracts the sense of touch.

To view carved finished products

Carving Styles

Gabriel originally learned to carve many years ago as an apprentice to totem pole carvers in western Canada. He has since applied the tools and techniques to furniture making and Jewish ceremonial arts. From this combination a unique style has emerged in his work. Custom Carving offers a variety of different styles of carving. Sculptural carving is carved in three dimensions, 360 degrees. Lattice carving is a three dimensional carving that give shape to a flat surface and often includes taking out any negative space. Recessed carving also gives shape to a flat surface, but will leave the material from the negative space with the texture of the curved blade knife. Detail carving includes both carving patterns and line carving that defines the design and can be cleanly painted. Applied carving, often in local Israeli olive wood, is carved in form and applied to the finished furnishing before final laquer.

To view carved finished products