BISHOP DOYLE'S PECTORAL CROSS > WAX CARVING DAY 7

I worked on the wax for about 5 hours this day (August 14). The Good Shepherd was further developed with a few refinements elsewhere and more thinning of the background. I realized the nimbus (halo) needed to be recessed a bit from the head so I carved that level back. The head will need to be enlarged and the 3 rayed nimbus developed again.

At this point I weigh the wax every so often and begin to calculate gold weight. It would still weigh over 3 oz if cast at this stage. The goal is to get it around 2 ounces in finished gold weight.

a side note...This is the first image of Christ I have ever done. It was comforting to me in my research to find that the first images of Christ that appeared in history were of Christ as a Shepherd. I crossed a threshold of avoidance on day 7. Whenever challenged into new territory I learn much about myself, my faith, and beliefs. Stretching is good for the Christian's journey.

GOOD SHEPHERD CLOSE UP
August 14, 2008