In direct carving the artist rejects traditional methodology of working with a model, and by using clay or wax they create a maquette to then pass along to a foundry or professional carver.  Direct carvers work spontaneously, cutting directly into stone or wood, and use the grains or modeling of the material to guide their process.

 

Cleo Hartwig was known for being a direct carver, and her works have been reproduced by museums, including the Museum of Modern Art.  In this work you can see how Hartwig uses the grains of the wood to emphasize and accentuate the female form.

 

Not many original works by Hartwig are offered for sale, but many reproductions are available.

 

This work is a unique, original, direct carving.