Window to a Sea Soul (The name could change)

For the embellishment inside the frame I've used 4 different cup burrs leaving the largest cup burr open. 

Window to a Sea Soul (The name could change)

Now the shape has been achieved the embellishment begins. I'm using a pyrography machine to outline the shape

This becomes shading to frame the embellishment I'll design on the inside

A close up view of the shading

Window to a Sea Soul (The name could change)

The outside shape was to bulky, needed more of a sea shell look, decided to seek out  more shells I've collected and started carving again

This spine shape I hope will give this free standing piece more 3 D look

Parallel view

Window to a Sea Soul (The name could change)

While the weather is fine, it's Autumn here in Western Australia. I like to set my carving table outside and enjoy the warmth, no wind, no flies and the dust is not a problem.

Roughing out the 3D shape is easier using a drill with 5" sanding disk. This enables me to start getting movement into the piece

Window to a Sea Soul (The name could change)

My inspiration a shell from my local beach

Window to a Sea Soul (The name could change)

After marking out the basic shape I start the carving process. Not sure how this inside shape will look once finished I'll make adjustments as I progress

The board is not blemish free so have design opportunities to incorporate these knots and cracks into the finished sculpture. The knot on bottom right of photograph will be glued with colour and maybe if needed some embellishment with pyrography  

Here I've drawn the board centre to guide me when carving. I find myself immersed in the carving and things can get away. Big black lines remind me to stop.

Window to a Sea Soul (The name could change)

800mm H x 350 mm W
Goldfields redwood (Eucalyptus transcontinentalis) small to medium-sized tree or mallee widespread to the goldfields, endemic to Western Australia.
This piece was cut from a slab I was given by friends in Kalgoorlie after a demonstration I did. Thanks  all members of GSTIF (Goldfields Specialty Timber Industry Group)

Basic shape cut by bandsaw

Inside shape drawn 

The inside shape was cut out by drilling holes throughout the inside shape, then cutting with a jigsaw.

Starting basic carving