Mike,
Just a nit pick on this highly skilled work.
Why doesen't the artist give the sharpened pencil wood a little coat of rubber cement?
This would keep the wood clean from the graphite dust that is making things look messy.
After the carving the dried rubber cement could be rubbed off and leave clean wood.
As it is it's rather like a fine engraving done on rusty metal and spoils the art and final presentation.
I'm not knocking the skill, just the lack of thought and prep. of the pencil stub.
Just my thoughts, sorry.