I really didn't even begin woodcarving until I around thirty years old. I
thought it might be something fun to do every now and then as a sort of
hobby activity when the weather didn't permit doing something outdoors.
Boy was I ever wrong!
Almost from the very beginning I was almost
obsessed with carving. I loved everything about it; the ability to make
unique shapes from a simple block of wood, the way everything else in life
kind of disappeared while I was carving, I even just loved the way the tool
felt as it sliced it's way through the wood. The more I learned, the more I
wanted to learn, and there is always something to learn as I still find out
each day. What had began as a simple diversion had become a passion.
The next phase of my woodcarving adventures began
when I started going to Branson Missouri to "sit in" with the woodcarvers at
a well known shop called the Engler Block. This led to me becoming the
Engler Block's resident woodcarver for the next few years before eventually
striking out on my own as self-employed woodcarver.
My career as a professional woodcarver has given
me many opportunities over the years. I have taught at some of the biggest
woodcarving seminars, such as the Silver Dollar City Seminars, the
Woodcarving Rendezvous, and the War Eagle seminars. I have had my work
displayed and sold at many shops and galleries throughout the United States.
I have written articles and served as moderator on the panel of advisors for
"Carving Magazine" which is published by All American Crafts.
The past several years I have sort of semi-retired from full-time
woodcarving and teaching woodcarving to re-explore some of the artistic and
creative ideas that I have not had the time to pursue because of the
business side of woodcarving. In order to keep touching and teaching those
who would like to learn how to carve I have designed and produced several
"how to" CDs that can be played on a computer.
I am still as passionate and excited about
woodcarving as I have ever been. I think my new works will continue to
inspire me to new heights and my rededication to my art will result in some
new opportunities and thrills to come.