When you are self taught you can sometimes get to rather advanced stages, but miss something along the way. That's why I describe this little episode as a woodcarving oops. I was doing boat show, selling quarterboards and fancy doodads for boats that I was turning out in my shop, and generally thinking that I …
The Very Meaning of Custom
Marine carving is the ultimate in DIY.
Back to Basics
Artists and crafters can become lost among the ads and catalogs of new tools. But it's worthwhile to consider and remember what our most basic tolls can achieve before we rush out and buy the newest thing. For the carver, that toll is the lowly knife. curved chip design whirling circle chip design a house …
Illusion
The little eagle's head has been carved separate from the body. Why? Tradition is one reason; I learned from others to carve the head and eye first so "The birdie can watch what you are doing." But the primary reason is that it's easier to complete the shape and back of the head when it's …
Wings
Years ago, I had a weird dream. Two of my favorite artists, John Haley Bellamy and Salvador Dali, were sitting with me in a coffeehouse discussing art. I merely sat by and listened while the two masters talked. They were deeply involved in a discussion of exaggeration and distortion in art. At one point, they …
Real Life
A lot of people make decisions that sound good but actually make them miserable. Yes, you. You're back in the back row, trying to sink down so I don't see you! I'm talking to you. You took a degree in business administration even though you were passionate about the arts. You sneak into Continuing Ed …
Sumac
Every once in a while, you need to shake things up. People fall into habits, wear blinders on their eyes, and lose the broader perspective. This loss of perspective can sneak up on a wood carver easily. You are comfortable carving in one or two species and get flummoxed when you see work in something …
Birdman
How the heck did he do that? That may be the first question you ask of Ed Menard, who carves these incredible cedar fans and birds in cedar. A sharp knife and knowledge of how cedar likes to open along the lines of the grain are vital to making it all work.Years ago, while I …
Great Things
Favorite artist? Why me, of course. Wait before you judge. There is a reason for my rating. An early mentor, Ron Campbell, rather abruptly gave me this advice after a particularly wearying session of self-critique, "if you don't like your work, don't expect others to like it either." He suggested I look at each piece, isolate what …
Passion
Daily writing promptName the professional athletes you respect the most and why.View all responses I try not to get too personal about sports stars or performers. Their performance is what I am interested in; You will not find fan magazines in my house. I'll recognize that I like what someone does but not link the name to …

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