Christmas Everyday

Being the editor of a magazine like Woodcarving Illustrated is a little like Christmas everyday. It’s a joy to review the ideas and artwork that pass through my office. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is watching an article progress from a rough idea to the printed page. It can be a little sad to spend so much time on a project and then, in a flash, it’s gone. But I take pleasure in the fact that it’s found a new home with our readers. It’s a little like raising a child and then letting them go to find their own place in the world. You hope that you’ve done everything you can to prepare them and help them make their best impression.

The pages of Woodcarving Illustrated are an ideal venue for sharing our appreciation of the art of woodcarving and showcasing the talents of skilled carvers. We were delighted to discover that woodcarving is playing a role in an upcoming movie starring Sissy Spacek. Check out page 32 for a behind-the-scenes look at how real carvers helped Hollywood bring the art form to life. The movie tells the story of how art is used to form a bond between generations. This is a perfect example of our guiding principle to involve the next generation.

From the initial feedback, it’s evident that our guiding principles are a resounding success. We’ve received a lot of emails offering encouragement and support. Staff members recently joined our friends from Make magazine in Austin, TX, to participate in the Maker Faire. The Faire is a two day family-friendly event that celebrates arts, crafts, science and the do-it-yourself mindset. It was a great opportunity to introduce carving to the younger generation. Another of our guiding principles focuses on supporting the grassroots of the woodcarving community. We’re planning a series of articles that will profile individual clubs, providing inspiration and ideas while recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of successful clubs. If you know of a club that deserves special recognition, please drop us a note and tell us why.

These guiding principles serve as New Year’s Resolutions for us. Resolutions that we are committed to, and plan to keep. I hope you’ll continue to share your opinions and ideas for promoting woodcarving as we say farewell to 2007 and move into a new year full of promise and opportunity.

Happy carving,

Shannon Flowers