Catch, Cook & Create - Carving a sculpture inspired by the ocean

[@BMSculptures]

What should I carve next!???

[@qaradigm]

Lobster

[@TimStevens32]

Seal

[@AlexDMast]

Panda

[@thekillercobra4217]

Termite

[@AriannaTheCrazy]

Christmas tree epoxy statue? Or a pumpkin for halloween :p

[@6root91]

When your log sounds like a dremmel, you know something's up

[@6root91]

Excuse the double entendré

[@BMSculptures]

hahahaha yes indeed!

[@MrE_]

Somethings in

[@nubzors]

Yep, that was definitely a Carpenter bee. The telltale sign is the perfectly round hole it came out of. They are super destructive. Not as bad as termites, but unlike termites they can chew through even pressure treated lumber. It's also insane how quickly they can chew through wood too, with one bee being able to make an inches deep hole in only a few minutes. We find their burrow holes in our deck every year and use an expanding foam, carpenter bee specific insecticide to kill them, then seal up the holes with woodfill afterwards. But they're pernicious buggers and prolific breeders once they've established a nest, so I would make sure yours didn't fly off and start making a new home in another piece of your precious lumber, or you could end up with a huge problem later.

[@BMSculptures]

wow that is crazy, I better go check the rest of my woodpile out back.

[@nubzors]

@@BMSculptures Just look for any perfectly round or oval holes in your wood. They can burrow while clinging upside down though, so be sure to rotate your wood around to inspect the underside of it too. But you can also often spot tiny sawdust piles wherever they have bored a hole into the wood, if it hasn't blown away, so be on the lookout for that as well. Good luck, and hopefully it chose to fly off somewhere else instead of sticking around!

[@DrDaveSalisburyPhDMBA]

@@nubzors- Great advice. I had similar concerns with the termites.

[@FoxLightstep]

Learn something new every day! Wow. That's neat.

[@Winny-woo-woo]

I have those bees all over the garden, important for pollination, and harmless

[@moccaroon]

18:57 - That hole behind their eyes is called a spiracle, and it is in fact a part of the ray's respiratory system! It's an "intake" of sorts, where the water gets pulled in to the gill chamber and then is pushed out through the gills. All rays have them, and some species of sharks do too!

[@BMSculptures]

Ohhhh that is very interesting, thanks for letting us know!

[@ahoy1014]

It's worth noting that rays on many occasions do still use their mouth for water intake, but can choose to swap to spiracle intake when their mouth is otherwise occupied - such as while burrowing or eating.

[@DominusFeles]

⁠@@ahoy1014So kinda like we can swap between mouth and nose breathing?

[@jansmorfferodriguez3155]

Also, when the rays are resting in the seabed they only use the spiracles to breathe, otherwise, sand and such could enter into their gills. On the contrary of many shark species, rays can "pump" water through the spiracles and gills.

[@gustavcarlsson6090]

Don't listen to that comment just because he sounds knowledgeable. It's obviously for marmalade sandwiches​@@BMSculptures

[@mattkrause6264]

I greatly appreciate that there’s a story behind this one! It’s so cool to see the inspiration behind the sculpture and not just “that would be cool to do”. I’d love to see more like this, maybe hunting trips, a meaningful vacation with the family, other types of fishing trips, or a camping trip in the woods. This was truly fantastic, Blake!

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you, I am very glad you liked it!

[@SolaKnitez53]

Hunting? I can't watch animals be killed, sorry....😢

[@mattkrause6264]

@@SolaKnitez53 did……did you watch this video? So spearfishing is ok, but hunting is not?

[@SomeStaleBread]

This has to be your best video yet! Not only is it one of my favourite sculptures you’ve made, but the sheer entertainment of you and your mates going fishing was just amazing. I was so excited for this video to come out since you suggested it, and it absolutely didn’t disappoint. Great to hear you had fun making it, because I had a lot of fun watching it, and I’m really really looking forward to more!

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed the fishing/diving part as well!

[@yoyo-w4t]

Please do more of these​@@BMSculptures

[@OuroborosArmory]

One of the things reptile keepers do is to bake the wood. Unfortually a lot of bugs are able to handle being frozen solid, but cannot handle being cooked. Look up the burning temp of your wood, and cook it slightly less than that. All bugs are now dead

[@BMSculptures]

reptile keeper? why would they need to bake wood??

[@BeezaBuzz]

​@@BMSculptures they bake the wood for the reptiles enclosure, used as enrichment and decoration

[@cornfarts]

Dont reptiles eat bugs? Why not have free food?

[@OuroborosArmory]

@@BMSculptures for the same reason your freezing it. Pests can come in and mess with your ecosystem kill your lizard, or their food. We like to get wood because it looks pretty and is easy to climb on, and is eaten by some of the good bugs we try and cultivate.. but ants and termites will cause havoc if they get in your cage. Thus anything you source in the wild you bake in your oven to kill all the bugs, even if it was found frozen in the winter. Anything you buy from reptile buisness is also cooked to kill parasites.

[@richardcooper]

More like this please, it's awesome how you shared your fishing trip and then got the inspiration for this piece, that makes it more meaningful and provides provenance. A solid 10/10

[@BMSculptures]

Thanks Richard!

[@robertzarfas9556]

If you had fun, if it made YOU happy, then it’s the kid of video you should make. The joy comes through in the video and it’s worth seeking.

[@BMSculptures]

must fun I've had making a vid!

[@coldeagle5241]

Ditto!

[@vityisa6856]

Your sculptures belong in a museum! Simply wonderful work and a very beautiful work of art.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much!

[@debbiekeay181]

I agree, I've said that in one of my other comments. If there are any philanthropists out there in the arts, how do we build a museum?

[@emsey6097]

This is my favorite video yet... as an artist and a fisher lady and free diver, spear fisher and general lover of the ocean, THIS ROCKS!!!

[@BMSculptures]

love that!

[@emsey6097]

@@BMSculptures PS that Scalop ceviche loooked freekin amazing.....

[@jacobcox4565]

12:50 That's an Ocean Sunfish. They sometimes float on their sides at the surface of the water so seagulls and other sea birds will land on them and pick parasites off of their bodies.

[@BMSculptures]

very cool fish for sure... Not sure how they make it out there with slow movements and such with predators lurking

[@jacobcox4565]

​@@BMSculptures 18:57 By the way, those holes behind the Bat Ray's eyes are called spiracles, they're for breathing. You might think "Isn't that what the gills are for?" and you'd be partially correct, the gills also are used for breathing, but the spiracles are also needed to help the Bat Ray breathe. For most fish, water goes into the mouth and flows through the gills in order to absorb oxygen. Since the mouths of Rays are underneath and not in front, water can't flow from their mouth to their gills. That's why those spiracles are there. Water flows from the spiracles, down to the gills, and flows through the gill slits.

[@bl4cksp1d3r]

@@BMSculptures they can survive having bites taken out of them o.o They are just... too big for most predators to deal with

[@BMSculptures]

@@jacobcox4565 Veryyyy interesting thanks for letting me know!

[@johntrueblue]

@@BMSculptures They can grow bigger than the boat you was on. From what i take they have no predators hence why they can grow so large up and over 10 feet in length.

[@Not_gay_just_odd]

Hands down my favourite video of yours I've seen. Amazing sculpture, phenomenal catches and as always, a fantastic amount of BM charm!

[@Loloany]

I'm so glad that the trip and the sculpture went everything great. Sometimes you just need a nice thing to make your life more happy ❤

[@BMSculptures]

Yes! Thank you!

[@billolmstead9317]

I can't believe that you have over 5 years of videos and I just now found your channel! I can't help myself but I have been binge watching ever since. Great stuff!!!

[@SuperVistaprint]

Always a good day when you upload. Time to sit down, nice cup of tea and enjoy craftsmanship and ingenuity. Take care ya all

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much!

[@acff65]

Thoroughly enjoyed the dive and cooking adventures incorporated with your narrative and sculpting.

[@BMSculptures]

So glad you liked that part

[@SharonNetzley]

This sculpture is stunning. Yes, please keep making this type of video. I really enjoy them. Not only do I love your work, but you’re inspiring me.

[@BMSculptures]

Thanks Sharon

[@DouglasThake]

Hello from Australia. My dad was a cabinetmaker, and also made different things in wood, so I appreciate beautiful timber whether it's a table, cabinet, clock, sculptures. That sculpture is really, really beautiful, and it was a fun to watch the process. My dad had a shed set-up with a lathe and all sorts of tools electric and old school, he passed 7 years ago, and I miss going into his shed to see what project he was working on, may he rest in peace.

[@BMSculptures]

Sorry for your loss may he rest in peace. Thanks for reaching out and I am glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jyuen]

100% love these kind of episodes. The inspiration, the motivation, and the vacation.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you!

[@MrE_]

I liked this video too. Looked like he had a blast! And the piece is like a good way to remember those fun times

[@BrutusdaTootus]

The little additions like this crab or the fish in the bears mouth are awesome. A sculpture with critters of different types of wood, could be visually impressive.

[@FluffyWonKenobe]

I think this is my favorite I've seen you do so far! And that little crab in the cave - perfect touch!

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you!

[@MarkPhillipsRoShin]

Freaking Amazing! It is so very cool that the inspiration for the sculpt came from that amazing trip. Thank you for sharing not only your art and your process in crating it, but also the little window into your life and how it inspires you to make these amazing pieces.

[@brazenmorris]

Best video yet. Want to thank you also, started carving 6 months ago thanks to your videos. Should come out and dive for some Megladon shark teeth in Venice some time🤙🏽

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much!

[@vandita777]

Loooooove it! You are crazy talented. Doesn’t hurt that you’re easy on the eyes. 😊

[@RiverbendWoodworks]

I love this style of adventure video! It's awesome to see a part of the world and a rad hobby I've not seen before and it's even cooler to see you capture the moment with the carving. Awesome work as always.

[@BMSculptures]

Thanks Jameson! Wish I could have made the diving sections way longer ( I cut out a LOT of good footage) Maybe post it on another channel who knows haha

[@KN6IXI]

I can honestly say your videos are the only one I never skip thru or fast forward. Great content and editing is perfect.

[@2.decayed]

5:40 the state of Texas!!!

[@Andi.Mitchell.Designs]

11:16 after the first carving I’m thing you and I are both wrong… lol

[@TheseBitchesGay]

The fishing clips were a really nice "break" from sculpting, it was fun to first see fishing, then sculpting and fishing again . Super fun video to watch

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you!

[@benkirkland5354]

You should melt down those chainsaw plastic/wood shavings and cast something with it! Dump them into a mold, then pour more resin. Might be cool!

[@abbywheelwright9179]

Thank you so much for all the time and effort to not only perfect your craft, but to produce quality videos as well! I would love to see more content like this vid, but only as long as you don’t end up burned out in the process, please! You’re amazing! Thanks again for everything you do!

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much Abby. Glad you liked it!

[@trinityriley_]

5:52 it's texas 😆

[@trinityriley_]

So you're a machinist, captian, fisherman, freediver, chef, sculptor, and painter....there's nothing you can't do man. I've watched every video of yours at least 3 times each, but this has to be my favorite! thanks for hearing the sensitive folks because I love animals more than anyone but that ain't finna stop me from ordering my favorite salmon plate at the lazy dog 😩 😅 you're exercising your God given right to catch cook and carve! well done as always, be safe out there

[@BMSculptures]

So glad that this one if your favorite. It is a bit scary to switch up the video by adding the catch and cook but I hope I toned it down enough to not make anybody upset. I love lazy dog!

[@TheBatman-1989]

​@@trinityriley_ uh, excuse me? No, you don't love animals more than me 😂

[@davedyson4730]

I shake my head in bewilderment every time I watch you carve. You are the grandmaster of carvers.

[@BMSculptures]

haha Thank you Dave, still a lot to learn

[@michelleaicf3795]

What an amazing trip! The underwater footage was beautiful. It looks like everyone enjoyed their time which is great. I've been binge watching your videos and I couldn't understand why you looked so familiar... LET'S GO BLUE JAYS

[@BMSculptures]

haha yeahhhh!!!! Was such a fun trip

[@Xenellia]

What a wonderful journey that led to this stunning sculpture, thank you for sharing it with us!

[@brandonbaird4499]

Love watching all your videos ❤️ it's amazing the work you do if you cut any pieces of resin and wood don't throw it away keep it for another project God bless you and your family 🙏❤️

[@RichSanDiego1969]

13:42 sting ray

[@markusthiel7687]

Damn you stole my comment idea! 13:42

[@TotalBoat]

Can't decide if we love the ray or the crab more! Excellent work Blake! 😍😍

[@electme38]

It's just wow! combine a travel blog and woodcarving, with a lot of stories, this is my favorite video on your channel, everything is so well combined, and an advertisement that you don't want to rewind! Thanks for the content

[@WoodcraftBySuman]

Very few things come close to the joy of catching and cooking something by the water. Loved the little detours into the water!

[@shanti5718]

Love it! ❤ Birds and sealife are my favorites, but I honestly enjoy every sculpture come to life

[@jeffmoore78]

Absolutely love the new format. Please keep them coming. I’m an avid fisherman and woodworker myself. Chefs kiss.

[@BMSculptures]

Thanks! Will do!

[@helgavoorneveld1530]

Loved the combination of woodworking, diving, spear and normal fishing and all the beautiful cooked food thanks for sharing 😍🤩🥰

[@tada8092]

For twenty years Anacapa Island was the view out of my work window. Diving with my dad. Thanks for the memories and amazing art. 😊😊😊

[@capeeddy]

It's incredible how you can take inspiration from something, see it in your mind, then create a proportional and detailed replica of it. Also, the crab was a perfect detail to add. I can't wait for your next work of art.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much!

[@schojak1321]

Your work is amazing! My father used to carve and made similar art but without the chainsaw. I LOVE them all!

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you very much!

[@debbiekeay181]

Your creativity, from thought to the history of the wood, from blank canvas, to beautiful natural living thing. Wow! Just one of the best videos ever!

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you very much!

[@marabethluton960]

Beautiful...I love your work! Please continue with this type of video!😊

[@tarahill2193]

Thankyou for sharing both your adventures with me .😊

[@kimkimba1131]

Every time I see you do a new sculpture I am amazed at your patients and talent. Another well done project.

[@At0mix]

Though I don't personally care for fishing, the concept of showing where you got your inspiration for the piece alongside the carving is genius. It turned out great too, the old-growth base really elevates it. 12.5k is a great price considering the unique materials & labor, would buy this in an instant if I had the money to spare.

[@MrBats007]

Another sculpture that is flawless keep up the great work my brother.

[@Bluebird22727]

Love this video.. glad you had a memorable experience with your buddies.

[@ljtb]

We loved the inclusion of your fishing adventure 😀. More of that, please.

[@Robertbacklun]

I love the videos! Keep up your amazing work with both the sculptures and videos. I really love watching them all

[@tripple_x_panda2906]

I love it. Didn't think I would but this turned out amazing. Would love to see a giant buck sculpture

[@BMSculptures]

I would love to do a buck. I always hesitate about the antlers though. Those would be very difficult to carve

[@rosita2281]

11:59 I believe the species of shark is a "Soupfin shark" based off the pointed moon-shaped side fins, long rounded snout and distinct jagged tail shape. according to google they inhabit temperate waters world wide including California. Also flicking through some images on google they seem to sometimes reside in kelp forests which lines up with the footage!

[@BMSculptures]

I think you are right, a couple other viewers suggested that and I think we are leaning towards it!

[@wandacanon2885]

You are so talented and entertaining!

[@ich_kaufe_ein_A]

Never seen anyone doing something like you do with wood.I love the combination of Wood and Epoxy. How the wood looks through the Epoxy in the finished piece of Art. The Bat Ray looks great.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you very much!

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

I see my guess was right in my previous comment. That piece came out so epic, and I love the little crab you included! Your sculptures are so beautiful, and you are so very gifted, I am always impressed by your work. Have a great week!

[@constermonster-if5wy]

It's incredible! I hope you're proud of yourself! Also - glad that carpenter bee didn't get you two!!

[@andreacarr909]

More than beautiful! We have spotted eagle rays where I live. Their head and face is also cute, shaped a little different from the bat ray. They look at you and saying something for sure. Thank you for carving this beautiful creature!!

[@rhegafd]

Also, I think this was one of your best videos to date. I love the meshing of carving, food, fishing and diving. Super cool.

[@BMSculptures]

Thanks 👍

[@P0lyTh3rian]

Oh my heavens. That sculpture is just amazing. The details, the effort, the appealing colors, the meaning behind it. Generally one of my favorites. I would love to see more like this.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you!

[@casgallagher]

LOVED This. I need to see you do an Orca next!!! I’m more than sure the Vancouver aquarium would buy it and display it.

[@johnnyho900]

You’re an amazing artist, thanks for sharing!

[@unclefungus9733]

Mad skills! I really enjoyed your vacation with your buddies. It brought back some warm memories from my teenage years in the Florida Keys. Im subscribing

[@maddieadams75]

STUNNING. Love every minute of it. The crab is the perfect touch to this beautiful piece. ❤🤍🧡💛 🦀

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@bgpappy30]

It looks so beautiful. My favorite animal in the whole entire world are lions and it would be nice to see you carve a male lion. Thank you so much for sharing your artistic ways and experiences while making it. One love.

[@ruggyrugs5784]

I absolutely loved this video and the sculpture is magnificent 😁

[@dulceteixeira9097]

Wow wow wow, so loved this video. Your sculpture is amazing the little crab 🦀 what an awesome addition. 12:29 Sun fish. Loved the diving.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you, so glad you liked it!

[@jasonpaul7174]

5:45 Sting ray. Yes, please keep making videos where you combine your awesome sculptures with some fun adventures!

[@JAMESMT-mm6zl]

One of your best video's to date. Enjoyed the carving and the "fishing" . Thanks for sharing

[@BMSculptures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@maximflor]

One of the best Videos. Great sculpture, and the fishing story adds so much.

[@iamsarahlarsen]

You told a beautiful story with this video! I would love to see more like this.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you!

[@pamilynl.turner618]

Gorgeous. Keep the videos coming. I've been waiting for a new one.

[@DonnyRP]

BM this piece is unreal. Absolutely love it. A lot simpler than others you have done but this is up there with my favourite. Really like it. Well done.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much 😀 sometimes the simpler shapes/designs turn out the best. Funny how that happens

[@suzannequarles1736]

I’m always absolutely amazed by your talent and skills! Beautiful sculpture as always! I also loved this type of video and hope you will do more like it in the future!❤

[@nrtm182]

I loved the mini crab! Please do more sculptures with a big animal and a little buddie together :D

[@thenodiggardener]

Great piece of work, as always, and really loved the crab too. Thanks for taking us fishing with you. Congrats to your friend on his first Bass, it's was a beautiful looking fish.

[@BMSculptures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@donaldmatthies6026]

Blake, That bat ray turned out awesome! A yearly trip with good friends is some of the best memories you can make. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you Donald!

[@eartharrow6772]

A beautiful scupture with dynamic movement of the ray

[@cactusthestupid7222]

I've always loved rays, they look so graceful and otherworldly. Beautiful animals, and beautiful carving!

[@BMSculptures]

they are the most graceful underwater creature in my opinion

[@tobiastheblueman]

If I had the money, I'd buy this thing for sure. Great work, my dude

[@FoxLightstep]

A new BM Sculptures video? Yes, please!

[@BMSculptures]

you got it!

[@cerisekappes580]

What an awesome video!!!! I love how you have shared a piece of your story. Stunning sculpture as well!!! ❤😊❤

[@leandernathow826]

My favourite so far! The base turned out amazing!

[@dougbutterfield1739]

It's one of my favorite critter's!!!! I'm stoked to see this RAY come to life. Thanks much, Doug

[@BMSculptures]

Thanks Doug!

[@DrDaveSalisburyPhDMBA]

5:47 - You’re carving a ray! Lovin’ that wood grain as you sanded/planed a flat spot. 24:00 Edit - That crab is utterly gorgeous! Well done indeed!!!

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you!

[@CKhavari]

Love the story elements! Great video.

[@gabrielaguiar1559]

I think you should do an Orca, it would be awesome to see the separation between wood and resin on the sculpture. Amazing work btw

[@khbrown69]

Fantastic work as usual. Personally, I prefer sculptures like this to the foam and tire ones. Ultimately you should carve what you like or what your clients commission you for but if you're looking for suggestions,I think an element with its trunk raised and tusks in epoxy and the bulk of the body in a burled wood would be interesting.

[@SageBrush-BladeWorks]

Fantastic video! I really enjoyed the added context in underwater video segments.

[@BMSculptures]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ethanharper1768]

Definitely my favorite video of yours! I’m a saltwater addict also, and I loved that this was one of the fish you saw most of during your trip!

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed this one

[@Bitplex]

Beautiful as always, though I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels a lot of the mantas identity was lost without its hallmark long tail. I know it would have been really tough to make and fragile, but i would have gone with some sort of approach where I could screw the tail on and off for transport etc, and have it wrap around the sculpture, following the lines of the weaving in and out around the drift wood kind of thing. Still incredible.

[@BMSculptures]

yeah it was a tough decision to keep it short for sure. I just felt it wasn't worth the risk of breaking.

[@Max-lf4br]

love watching spear and line fishing content, glad to see you adding some of it into your videos.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you!

[@Weeks25]

I love this one so much! I love everything about it. The crab was the perfect finishing touch.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you 😋

[@woodfingerslee3965]

Wow that's is Amazing piece of sculpture. Amazing work of Art thank u for your videos hope to see more.

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Sledg0matic]

Recently, I've been reading about making glass panes from wood. You take a thin 1/8-in to 1/4-in cut, take out the lignin with hydrogen peroxide and UV light (simplified from what was once a massive undertaking since this breakthrough technique), and infuse the clarified wood with resin.

[@BMSculptures]

very very interesting

[@froggyfrog-sz6gs]

The scallops and the scuplpture look amazing good job, I would love more sea creatures

[@BMSculptures]

Thank you!