Question: How to engrave like Castro Smith?

[Matej]

Hi,
I’m still very much in the beginning phase of my engraving journey and am completely aware I won’t be able to achieve anything like Castro Smith’s work. However does anyone know how he may approach his work? I’m finding it extremely difficult to find resources on this carving style in particular.
I have a background in sculpting so I feel as though my three dimensional thinking is already there, I’m just unsure on what tools and techniques are needed to achieve this style in metal. Can anyone help point me in the right direction?

 

[Matthew Evans]

Hi,
I’m still very much in the beginning phase of my engraving journey and am completely aware I won’t be able to achieve anything like Castro Smith’s work. However does anyone know how he may approach his work? I’m finding it extremely difficult to find resources on this carving style in particular.
I have a background in sculpting so I feel as though my three dimensional thinking is already there, I’m just unsure on what tools and techniques are needed to achieve this style in metal. Can anyone help point me in the right direction?

Have you reached out to him directly? I believe he has classes available.

 

[monk]

i've done wood, stone, and metal sculpture for years-- large stuff. those 3-d skills have never really come to me on the scale that this work requires. i simply never got serious about this particular technique. one of my problems is i do so many different types of creative work, i really don''t have time to focus on them all. whatever skills i may have, i've made a reasonable buck, and more importantly to me--- a truck load of friends acquired thru the various work i've done. the friends are priceless !
one tool you'll likely need is a good stereo zoom scope. i'd think such would be mandatory for this work.

 

[DaveatWeirs]

It's seal engraving that's been done specifically so it looks correct without being reversed it in wax. Then they have a brushed finish on top. That's how the golden hare is achived, plated the ring after it was carved and then emeried off the gold from the top layers. There's another engraver on Instagram that goes by @blue.blue.driver that does a similar style, bright cuts into matt finish. It's very striking

 

[Matej]

Yes! @blue.blue.driver is very talented also, they are both big inspirations of mine

 

[Matej]

Have you reached out to him directly? I believe he has classes available.

I haven’t but that’s a good idea, I don’t see any courses available on his website

 

[Matthew Evans]

I haven’t but that’s a good idea, I don’t see any courses available on his website

Looks like the website is under maintenance, apologies. I saw on his Instagram a set of classes, but what I have gathered is for the seal type engraving he uses an onglette mostly and goes from there.