Hollowing out wood is a fundamental skill in sculptural carving, enabling artists to create depth, lightness, and intricate designs. Here are the most common techniques used by professionals:

1. Gouging with Chisels: A traditional method where chisels and gouges of varying sizes are used to manually remove wood. This technique offers precise control, ideal for detailed work.

2. Drilling and Routing: Power tools like drills and rotary tools speed up the process, especially for larger pieces. A Forstner bit is often used for clean, flat-bottomed holes.

3. Relief Carving: This involves carving away the background to leave a raised design. It’s a popular technique for decorative panels and shallow hollows.

4. Chip Carving: Small, precise cuts are made to create geometric patterns or hollowed sections. It’s often used for ornamental details.

5. Burnout Hollowing: For deep cavities, some carvers use controlled burning to char the interior, followed by scraping to smooth the surface.

Each technique requires practice and the right tools, but mastering them opens endless creative possibilities in wood sculpting.