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As many of you might have noticed I am not a big fan of most modern art. The lack of craft leaves me cold and any emotion connection is beyond me. Sometimes, however, I am delighted to report there are exceptions.
important are either left out - the is blocks of basswood are omitted, or roughly carved. Just "out of focus", not left out. This isn't laziness, this isn't a lack of ability, this is a conscious decision. And it's real important. If he had carved the entire figure in total realism (like the faces are carved) it would be a triumph of craft, but less about the emotional state of the people. If Demetz just included busts, without any body, they would be disembodied and lose the context of being part of a person. By selectively leaving bits out our attention is focused and we get the full impact. In real life when a kid is crying we look at the crying eyes. We don't study the rest of the figure. In the photos and in the rest of the pieces in the show everything that would distract us from the anguish of the characters is left out. The crying girl's braids are just roughly carved. I thought this awesome as you get a very visceral impression of a kid with tight braids that are coming frazzled. The rough work on the rest of the bodies is also very expressive and there is an understanding here on how (realistic) sculptures can communicate with their audience. I was blown away, my friend was totally spooked out, and the kids liked it. 
If you are a carver I really suggest you try to see the show before it closes or at least take a gander at the artists website. We can all learn something here about carving communication. I'm not suggesting that this is the way to go on everything but if you can understand why the communication works here it will inform what you do no matter what style you work in. It also proves that realistic sculpture can be a lot more than just a 3D photograph.
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Very expressive and your critique makes sense.
Have you looked into the carvings of David Esterly, Upstate New York?
He works in the tradition of Grindling Gibbons,London, 18th century. Exclusevly limewood (basswood).
Nearing completion on my sash saw handle- a small gift to myself for my 64th, Can't afford Paul McCartney!!!
Cheers, Christopher
PS, Joel, you're a real class act in my book!
I wrote about Esterly here - I'm a big fan.
joel