Abstract Form with a Faceted Opening: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

This is what it looks like finished — a reference render, not yet a real photo by Eduardo.

Combines two techniques that stay separate in the rest of the route: the interior opening from "Abstract Form with a Pointed Opening" and the repeated faceted relief from "Abstract Form with Faceted Relief" — here applied to the whole body of the piece, not a flat panel. It's also the largest format in the entire series: 50 cm of finished sculpture on its base, starting from a 40 × 20 × 60 cm block.

Material: this piece can be carved in high-density rigid polyurethane foam (to practice the form without fear of mistakes) or directly in wood, for the final piece. Given the block size, if you can't find a single continuous piece 60 cm tall, a laminated basswood or cedar block works just as well.

From the Shop: U-gouge, V-gouge, and rasp. See tools →

Note: the images on this page are reference renders generated to plan the piece — they are not photos of a sculpture Eduardo has already finished. They'll be replaced with real process photos once the piece is carved in the workshop.

What you'll need

Hardwood or high-density foam block40 × 20 × 60 cm — the largest format in the route.
See in the Shop
U-gougeTo hollow the interior opening and each facet of the relief.
See in the Shop
V-gougeTo mark the facet grid and refine the transitions.
See in the Shop
Rasp and sandpaperFor primary roughing-out and the final finish.
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Beeswax (wood) or gesso and paint (foam)The final finish depends on the material: wax/sealant if carved in wood, gesso and paint or patina if carved in foam.
See in the Shop

Before you start: given the block's size, clamp it firmly to the workbench before roughing out — never hold it with just your hand.

Technical diagram

Technical diagram — coming soon in the handbook

Step by step

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Bloque inicial

Bloque de madera con el contorno dibujado en todas las caras.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Corte del perfil frontal

Eliminación del material sobrante siguiendo el contorno frontal.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Corte del perfil lateral

Corte del perfil lateral para definir el grosor y volumen de la pieza.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Desbaste primario

Desbaste con herramientas para eliminar esquinas y dar volumen general.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Apertura de la primera faceta

Con la gubia en U, vacía la primera faceta hasta la profundidad de referencia — esa es la medida que vas a repetir en el resto.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Desarrollo del relieve

Repite el mismo gesto, con la misma presión y el mismo ángulo, en cada celda de la retícula.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Refinado de curvas

Afina los bordes entre facetas para lograr una superficie ondulada, sin cortes abruptos entre una celda y la siguiente.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Forma casi terminada

Lijado medio para unificar superficies y preparar para el acabado final.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Acabado fino

Lijado fino y corrección de detalles para obtener una superficie suave y uniforme.

Illustration coming soon
in the handbook

Sellado y montaje

Si tallaste en madera, aplica cera de abejas o un sellador/barniz. Si tallaste en espuma de poliuretano, sella primero con gesso y termina con pintura o pátina.

Don't have the tools yet?

U-gouge, V-gouge, and rasp — the most demanding trio in the whole route.

See in the Shop

Your turn. When you finish your piece, share it and tell us what wood you chose.