The Latest Carvings from the Carving Bench

     One of the problems with keeping a list (book) of ideas to carve is which ones to do after you finish one. Do I do an older idea or work on one that just came to me last week (or even last night)? I have dozens of caricature ideas to carve, from bottle stoppers to busts to full figure characters and scenes. Somewhere in there I also try to do some Christmas ornaments, any commissions that come up, giveaways, gifts and competition pieces. 
     Below are two of the three pieces I plan on sending to the Caricature Carvers of America competition in August in Converse, Indiana. I hope to do well, but I am OK if I do not place in the ribbons. I will be competing against some of the best out there such as Steve Dunham, Myron Compton, Mike Pounders, and others. I just hope to hold my own, and not be laughed out of the competition. Stay tuned.

     This first one is an idea I have had for some time. I have always been fascinated by mountain men, and decided to do a bust. I titled him "Buckskin Bill". 

  

     This next one is a series of carvings I have started based on biblical characters. I have done 4 or 5 of these guys and I think this last one is the best. I like him. I titled this one "The Coat", as Joseph was very proud of his coat of many colors.

  

     This unfortunate character is one I came up with after a rough day. I thought my guardian angel had abandoned me, at least for an hour or two. Anyway, this guy must feel the same way, what with his leg in a cast, his arm in a sling, his bandaged head and his swollen, puffy, black and blue eyes.

  

     This is a close-up of his face. You kinda feel sorry for this poor sucker. I hope he has better luck tomorrow.

   

Anyway, wish me luck. And thanks for watching. Comments are always welcome. 

Back from vacation

     What a great trip we had, just returning form the northern California and southern Oregon coasts. Temperatures in Idaho were in the 100's. We hit 107 degrees in Redding, California. However, when we crossed the mountains towards the coast, the temperature dropped to the low 60's. What a difference.
     We toured the Redwoods and I had the opportunity to stop at some woodcarving shops and galleries. We stopped at a few in the Redwoods (they are so massive and amazing, you have to use capital letters) and I had the opportunity to chat with Bernie Korbly, with Korbly Wood Products, as well as several others who were carving some great things. I picked up some myrtlewood and some redwood blanks. Redwood is a soft wood, best carved when wet. 

This mountain man carving is one I want to enter in the Caricature Carvers of America competition in August. He was a lot of fun (and hard work) to do.

This fireman is one I did in Gene Fuller's class at our Jamboree in May of this year. It was a great class and a great project.

Here is a picture of the redwoods from our trip. They are so amazing. There is nothing like looking straight up at trees that can be more than 300 feet high.

This hollow redwood tree is still growing!. Apparently, these wooden behemoths can lost most of their inner structure, yet still keep growing. As long as there is a layer of cells that can transport water and nutrients up to the upper levels of the crown, the tree can survive and keep growing. Amazing!

We had a great time on our trip. Thank you, California and Oregon! I had not stepped foot in California since I was 10 years old. It was a good welcome back. Thanks!