One of his recent commissions, named the National Holiday Cane, features personal
mementos of his client’s holiday celebrations. The Santa at the top of the cane has a
carving of his client’s grandson hidden in his beard. A motorcycle, representing one
of his client’s favorite pastimes, is tucked away under the Christmas tree. And
writing in the Valentine hearts says “I Love You” in sign language, a reference
to deaf family members.
Hershal has been approached about placing some of his canes in a museum, but for
now he likes to keep his canes around the house where he can enjoy them. He stresses that
each and every one of his canes is meant to be used, and he will often “wear”
one of his canes to a club meeting or competition. He pays close attention to the grain
when planning his carving to add strength to the finished piece, and each cane is tipped
with a rubber bumper to prevent it from slipping on hard surfaces.
When it comes to tools, Hershal’s workshop is filled with “just about
everything available.” He regularly uses both power tools and hand
tools—everything from a surgeon’s scalpel to a chainsaw. But he cautions
beginning cane carvers that they don’t need to buy everything on the market—just
the “good stuff.”
“Nothing beats quality tools,” Hershal says. “They’ll last
longer and they’ll make your carving time even more enjoyable. Use whatever it takes
to do a good job.”
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A commission from one of Hershal’s clients led to this National Holiday Cane
(above). The carvings on the cane were designed to remind Hershal’s client of
memorable family holidays. For example, the baby in Santa’s beard, carved to
represent Baby New Year, has the same features as his client’s grandson. The cane is
carved from basswood, painted with oil washes and took approximately 300 hours to carve.
Hershal’s
Noah’s Ark Cane is made of basswood, painted with oil washes and took approximately
400 hours to complete. A carving of Noah’s ark and a rainbow handle top the cane.
Noah is shown on the bow of the ark, checking his list of animals before the rain begins
to fall. Noah’s wife appears on the stern of the ark. Shown in the three portals are
Noah’s three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth. Noah’s three daughters-in-law are
hidden from view on the opposite side of the ark. Ten pairs of animals are carved into the
staff of the cane. |