How do artists account for cedar’s tendency to split when planning figurative compositions?

Artists working with cedar wood in figurative compositions must account for its natural tendency to split, which can compromise the integrity of their work. To mitigate this, they employ several techniques. First, they carefully select cedar pieces with straight, even grain, as irregular grain patterns increase splitting risks. Second, they season the wood properly, allowing it to dry slowly to reduce internal stress. Third, artists often use stabilizing methods like sealing the wood with wax or resin before carving. Additionally, they design compositions to align with the wood’s natural grain, minimizing cross-grain cuts that weaken the structure. Finally, some artists incorporate splits intentionally, turning imperfections into artistic features. By understanding cedar’s properties and adapting their methods, artists create durable, visually striking figurative works.