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Eggshell Carving – A Study in Nature’s Beauty
by Tina Kannapel
My medium is basically calcium carbonate – the natural eggshells of ducks, geese, pheasants, ostriches and emus. The eggs I use have been fully incubated but have failed to hatch. Eggs symbolize birth and are believed to ensure fertility. They also symbolize rebirth, and thus long life and even immortality.
I carve and scupt the eggshells with a high-speed pneumatic drill, dental burs, and sanding disks. I do not paint the eggshells as I strive for a completely natural look, not an artificial one. No substances are applied to the shell before or after cutting, with one exception. I spray a UV protectant on carved emu eggshells to keep the natural vivid teal color from fading in light.
Emu’s are basically Australian ostriches. My carved emu eggshells may look painted but they are not. (See Tiger Face on Emu Eggshell above.) These eggshells, usually about 5" tall and oval shaped, are very distinct because they have three separate layers - each a different color. The outer layer of the eggshell is dark green (almost black), the middle layer is teal green, and the inner-most layer is white. I sculpt between these three distinct layers to create my designs. There is nothing quite as exciting as seeing my design come alive on an emu eggshell. No two eggshells are identical. The shades of teal green vary as do the thickness of the shell layers and the roughness of the exterior. The final smoothing of the shell is accomplished with steel wool.
Ostrich eggshells are cream colored, thicker, more round than oval, and usually 6" or more in diameter. They can be both carved and sculpted, giving more detail to the scenes. A completed eggshell looks similar to carved ivory. Both carbide and diamond bits are used for the majority of the cutting and sculpting. Sanding is accomplished with dental sanding discs and steel wool. I use a light box while carving these eggshells as light brings out the detail. Angling the sculpted areas in the right manner provides a visual depth that far exceeds the physical depth of the carving.
I also carve duck and goose eggshells cut in stencil-type patterns. (See Elephant Head on Goose Eggshell above.)
I don’t finish every eggshell I start, mainly because I’m very critical of my work and will toss a shell if it doesn't express my intent or meet my standards. Fortunately, birds continue to lay eggs so I can always locate egg, after egg, after egg. Perhaps the most inspiring and satisfying aspect is that every eggshell is different in its own way and the possibilities are endless.
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