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What’s In a Name – The Acanthus Leaf Book

April 18, 2016 / Mary May / Wood Carving Tips

OK, I’m almost finished with my book on Carving Acanthus Leaves. I’m going through the final editing process and hope to get it to Christopher Schwarz at Lost Art Press for the final, final editing and book design by the end of May. I’m trying to be realistic in that I have been hoping to get it to him over the past 2 to 3 months, thinking – it’s just around the corner. So hopefully it’s not just wishful thinking.book cover-80

 

But I am really surprised how much work is involved – AFTER I feel like the book is nearly done. I think that’s my perfectionist personality coming out. I have this problem with carving also – I just don’t know when to stop sometimes.

So I keep fussing and picking and correcting and adjusting. I keep writing and drawing. Then I let others read it and give suggestions, and I change some more.

I am still enjoying the process, but I’m sure I will need a break from acanthus leaves after my book is finished. “Step away from the acanthus leaf.”

I’m sure many writers discover this – especially with their first book. I am learning so much more about this amazing leaf than I ever have imagined! I just never knew there was so much to write on, and so many different styles. I’m really tempted to make this a 2 volume set, but I guess we will see when it is put in book form and find out how many pages this will be. My guess is over 250 pages at this point, but it is so difficult to predict. It might be more if we decide to make the photos larger, or less with smaller photos. I just don’t know…

Just a brief overview of what will be in the book: 3 Chapters will be on the history of the acanthus leaf, woodcarving basics, and specifics on drawing and carving details of the acanthus leaf. Then there will be 12 chapters (or more if I get ambitious over the next month) showing how to carve 12 different leaf designs, using photos and drawings. Here are some photos of some of those leaves. Isn’t it amazing the variety?

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DSC04237
resized acanthus
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DSC07042
DSC03958
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DSC04253

 

I need to settle on a good title soon, so I am asking for feedback. Please share your thoughts and ideas.

Here are some title ideas. The first line is the main heading and the second line a subheading. I guess they could be mixed and matched:

Carving the Acanthus Leaf
A Rite of Passage for the Classical Woodcarver

The Art of the Acanthus Leaf
A Woodcarver’s Perspective

The Acanthus Leaf
A Woodcarver’s Guide

The Acanthus Leaf
A Woodcarver’s Guide to a Timeless Art

The Acanthus Leaf
A Practical Guide for Woodcarvers

Please sign up for my Acanthus Leaf Newsletter HERE, as this will be the first place where I will announce when the book is available and you can get sneak previews of details of the book. I also am giving away resin castings of the leaves I have carved for my book.

12 comments on “What’s In a Name – The Acanthus Leaf Book”

  1. Keith says:
    April 18, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    I like your first title shown above; it speaks to the desire in most of us to replicate the beautiful work of those in the past who set the standard.

    • Mary May says:
      April 18, 2016 at 10:36 pm

      Thanks Keith! Great observation.

  2. Jim B says:
    April 18, 2016 at 10:42 pm

    I have to agree with Keith. The first title pulls me in.

  3. Ed Biggs says:
    April 18, 2016 at 11:24 pm

    What a great resource. I’ll suggest a modified title, based on my searching in bookstores for carving references…

    The Woodcarver’s Acanthus, A Practical Guide

    It also reflects your presentations on line and in person which are quite practical and approachable.

    Regardless of your choice, count me in for a copy…

  4. David Taylor says:
    April 18, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    I second the vote for the first title, Carving the Acanthus Leaf
    A Rite of Passage for the Classical Woodcarver

    I consider that the Acanthus is just that, a Rite of Passage. I have yet to carve one, because I don’t think I have yet earned the rite 🙂

  5. Dane says:
    April 19, 2016 at 7:47 am

    I am torn between #1 and #4…

    The Acanthus Leaf has so many forms and applications. Sometimes it is long and flowing, other times it is ‘leafy’ and sometimes only part of it is used. I am really hoping you cover these aspects in the book.

    As a newbie carver, I have tried parts of the leaf only to be humbled by it.. I have to go get a cup of coffee and do a donut 😉

  6. Bob Easton says:
    April 19, 2016 at 8:03 am

    The first one!
    That was your earliest choice, and I’m stickin’ with it. It rings the bell for the woodcarver who is constantly learning.

  7. Mike Holden says:
    April 19, 2016 at 10:21 am

    I too like the first title:
    “Carving the Acanthus Leaf
    A Rite of Passage for the Classical Woodcarver”
    Describes the content without sounding like it is a “dumbed down” how-to.

  8. Tony says:
    April 19, 2016 at 11:55 am

    I agree, the first title hits the mark.

  9. Mary May says:
    April 19, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    Thanks for the feedback!
    Looks like the first one listed (and the original thought from over a year ago) is winning.

  10. Antonio says:
    April 20, 2016 at 10:34 am

    Hi
    From what I’ve been reading in the blog… the first title seems tailor made!

    I wish you the best inspiration in this journey!

    António

  11. Robert Lichvar says:
    April 21, 2016 at 7:42 am

    Carving the Classical Acanthus Leaf

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