Mythical figures carved in wood

by Shadawatom — Wood sculptures by Thomas Bordier

About me

I am Thomas, Wood carver both with power tools or knives

Check my whole carving process

Every carving begins with a story. I explore myths, legends and characters, sketch my own interpretation, and then let the wood guide the final form. Using a mix of power tools, chisels, fire, colour and hand finishing, I gradually shape each piece into something with its own expression, presence and character.
wood carving
The Art and Techniques of Wood Carving: From Portraits to Creatures

Wood carving is a timeless art form that allows artists to transform a simple piece of wood into intricate and lifelike creations. As a passionate wood carver specializing in portraits, animals, and mythical creatures, I have explored various techniques to bring my visions to life. In this article, I’ll share insights into the different forms of wood carving, focusing on the methods I use and the types of wood that best complement my work. Power Carving: Efficiency and Precision Power carving is my primary technique, offering speed and precision that hand tools alone cannot achieve. Using electric tools like rotary carvers, I can quickly remove large amounts of wood, shaping the rough form of my subjects. This technique is particularly useful for creating detailed portraits and lifelike animals, where intricate features need to be defined swiftly and accurately. Whittling: The Art of Simplicity While power carving is efficient, I also enjoy the simplicity and mindfulness of whittling. Using a sharp knife, I carve away small shavings from a piece of wood to reveal the desired form. Whittling is perfect for creating smaller, more detailed pieces, and it provides a satisfying tactile connection to the material. It’s a slower process, but

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My journey as a Wood carver: From Childhood Dreams to Crafting Spirits

Wood carving has been my passion since childhood, sparked by summers in Northern Bohemia with my grandparents. I crafted wooden swords, shields, and tree lookouts, immersing myself in imaginative play. Years later, an early morning urge to carve rekindled this love, leading me from whittling small figures to power carving intricate pieces. For me, carving is a meditative journey, transforming raw wood into art and connecting me to something deeper. This craft is more than a hobby—it’s a lifelong devotion

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Work on commission

Planning a gift or a decorative carving for your home or garden? Contact me for a chat!
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