Answer:
Relief carving is a type of woodworking used to create images on a flat piece of wood. The carved image projects a little from the wood. The projection is high relief if the image is carved to a great depth, while it is medium relief if it is lightly carved.
Techniques and Tools
Relief carving is similar to any other carving technique. A pattern serves as a guide to remove wood from the flat wood piece until the desired image stands out in relief. The artisan starts with a concept on paper or on a computer screen. This is typically a sketch or a pattern. The artisan first copies the concept on the flat wood surface. The desired image starts showing on the wood as the artisan removes wood from the panel around the traced pattern.
Sculpting hand tools such as gouges and chisels are ideal for working on a relief carving. The artisan uses a hammer or a large wooden peg to strike the chisel or gouge into the wood. A workbench with metal clamps and screws is used to clamp down and hold the raw wooden piece firmly in place. By securing the wooden piece, the artisan is able to work with both hands. Sets of smaller chisels and smoothing tools like sandpaper are necessary to finish the work. Carving tools are available in many sizes and shapes. Professional artisans as well as hobbyists can use them.
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