Abstract Form with Stacked Volumes: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The leap from “one form” to “composition of several forms in relation”: three or four abstract masses of your own, stacked and joined on a continuous vertical axis. Revisits forms you've already learned along this route — no need to invent new volumes.

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. Recommended wood: mahogany or another dark, dense wood, to give visual weight to the stacked group.

From the Shop: chisel, U-gouge, and a rod for mounting. See tools →

What you'll need

Three or four small hardwood piecesEach carved as a form you already know: an ovoid, a rounded vessel, a seed.
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Central axle or rodTo join all the pieces into a single vertical composition.
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Chisel and U-gougeTo adjust the point of contact between pieces.
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SandpaperTo unify the finish of the whole group.
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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.
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Step by step

Initial block with the outline of the abstract form with stacked volumesphoto coming soon

Initial block

Start with a rectangular block of wood or high-density foam. Draw the front outline of the abstract form with stacked volumes on all four faces of the block, and mark a center line on each.

Cutting the finished front profilephoto coming soon

Cutting the front profile

Remove the excess material following the outline you drew. The piece is still flat, like a cut-out silhouette, but you can already recognize the overall shape.

Stages 3 through 10 are in the Habanaescultura book — currently in the works, with tracing patterns, renders of each piece, and the technical sheet for all 20 projects in the route. In the meantime, this preview shows you how the process starts.

What you'll need

The same tools from the earlier forms, plus an axle or rod for mounting.

See in the Shop

Want to keep going? The complete process for this piece — and the other 19 — will be in the book. While it's finished, pick another tutorial from the route, or write to us to be notified as soon as it's out.