Wood carving is a most pleasurable past time. It all started with a set of six chisels and a Lignum Vitae mallet that I still use today although a few trips to Lee Valley has resulted in a lovely collection of useful tools. My favourite wood for the larger projects is Alaskan Yellow Cedar, with its tight, clear grain it is like carving butter. The frame and panel Taos Door is carved from this wood. It has been the front door of a dear friend’s home for many years and easily withstands the severe temperature changes of northern New Mexico.
Interior doors have been carved of 2” thick Pine mostly because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to carve. The Barn Owl double door panels took approximately 100 hours to carve. A wood burning tool was also used to define the feathers.
These wood carvings really are a form of sculpture. I found myself wanting to carve more and more into three dimensions so I have been experimenting with small projects in soapstone which as a medium I love.
Winter evenings offer a good time to work on carving projects. Commissioned work would be gladly considered.
