Wood carving is a form of working wood by means of a cutting tool (knife) in one hand or a chisel by two hands or with one hand on a chisel and one hand on a mallet, resulting in a wooden figure or figurine, or in the sculptural ornamentation of a wooden object.
The phrase may also refer to the finished product, from individual sculptures, to hand-worked mouldings composing part of a tracery.
The making of sculpture in wood has been extremely widely practiced. It therefore forms an important hidden element in the art history of many cultures.
The nature of the wood being carved limits the scope of the carver in that wood is not equally strong in all directions: it is an anisotropic material.
The direction in which wood is strongest is called "grain" (grain may be straight, interlocked, wavy or fiddleback, etc.). It is smart to arrange the more delicate parts of a design along the grain instead of across it, and the more slender stalks or leaf-points should not be too much separated from their adjacent surroundings.
A wood carver begins a new carving by selecting a chunk of wood the approximate size and shape of the figure he or she wishes
...see more to create or, if the carving is to be large, several pieces of wood may be laminated together to create the required size.
The type of wood is important. Hardwoods are more difficult to shape but have greater luster and longevity. Softer woods may be easier to carve, but are less resistant to damage.
Any wood can be carved but they all have different qualities and characteristics. The choice will depend on the requirements of carving being done: for example a detailed figure would need a wood with a fine grain and very little figure as strong figure can interfere with 'reading' fine detail.
Reference : wikipedia.org
