Artist Talent vs Carving Tool technique

[Paul_Guraedy]

A conversation came up at the local carving club between a couple of the elder, more experienced carvers who follow patterns, instructions and measurements to a tee. The membership had grown recently including a few of us "artists" who would rather carve our own 'stuff'. Their topic of discussion was " what is the difference between someone who carves from a pattern and instructions and someone who doesn't. Their conclusion was that the former were "carvers" and the latter were "whittlers".

I have been following the revival of this thread, think I may have responded sometime back, with interest. Not looking for resolution, just the way different folks view the differences. Reading Wildflower's post led me to recall an incident that happened a few years ago which also shows the differences in viewpoints.

A popular, well liked, instructor was carving in public when a bystander wanted to illustrate his knowledge. He informed my friend that he was a "whittler" because whittlers laid their tools down with the sharp points toward themselves and carvers laid them down with sharp edges away from themselves.

This irritated the heck out of my friend. Here in the Ozarks, and across a good portion of the south, almost any given day, certainly every weekend, will find a group of old men, in a a public area such as the Courthouse square, making pointed sticks with pocket knives. They are referred to as "whittlers".

The one thing that will cause an immediate defensive response of any woodcarver here in the Hills is to refer to them as a "whittler". The "labeller" will quickly be informed that they are observing a woodcarver not a whittler.

Must be the hidden artist in even the most ardent follower of patterns.

[zolten_sabo]

Wow, I never really thought about the label much. I've been an "artist" for many years now, but looking at all of your posts, I'm not sure what that means! lol

I guess, in my opinion, an artist is someone with the natural ability to take their talents to a higher level of excellence. Anyone can sit down and follow a book, dvd, teacher, etc., but an artist takes that new found knowledge and turns it into a state of second nature. Does that make sense?

[Merle Rice]

I never considered myself as an Artist, but when woman seen my carvings at our Fair last year she asked me if I was the Artist that carved them. I told here I carved them but didn't know about being an Artist. Her response was, " If you carved them you are an Artist". So I guess it is ,as people see your achievements. Merle

[teeburn]

The best thing I have seen written about being an artist I found in the introduction of one of the carving books in our club library and I have never forgotten it. It is a simple but profound quote about being an artist.

He who works with his hands is a laborer,

He who works with his hands and his head is an artisan,

But he who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an ARTIST.

....................................... Author Unknown

I use to be very uncomfortable with people calling me an artist and even more uncomfortable calling myself one till I read this. Now it resonates in my heart and I accept wholeheartedly what I've always been an ARTIST!!!

Hope this helps clear the air some and helps some others accept who they've always been.

[mdallensr]

"Their topic of discussion was " what is the difference between someone who carves from a pattern and instructions and someone who doesn't. Their conclusion was that the former were "carvers" and the latter were "whittlers"."

I'll disagree as well. Although I'll agree the former are carvers (because they carve!), the latter are artists who can express their artistry through carving. I'm one of the legions of "formers". I really struggle with the creative side, but I can carve a reasonable representation of what I see. I'm also not musical (dropped out of piano when I had to play with both hands), can't sing a lick, and have no rhythm. But, I can identify music I like, and I enjoy good music. Just as I've come to grips with my lack of musical ability, (which seems to bother others much more than it bothers me), I've come to grips with my lack of artistic expression, particularly because I understand that I really like to carve!

After diddling around for a couple of years searching for my inner artist, I realized I hadn't done much carving, and for the first time in eight years, did not carve my Christmas love spoons for family and friends for lack of an original pattern I liked. So, rather than spending any more of my time trying to "draw on the right side of my brain", and peering at a piece of featureless basswood, trying to visualize the carving that "is in it" (what do you suppose is in a 2" x 5" x 12" piece?), I'm going to use all of the resources available to me as a CARVER, to provide ideas, subjects and patterns so I CAN CARVE! And I will continue to envy those who have all of the attributes that make up a world class carving artist, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. All, of course, IMHO. Mike

[Dileon]

Honestly it has nothing to do with artist talent.... I taught art to people who say they have no talent. It is not about talent, it is about learning and if you can stick with it. Honestly the only people who stay with anything will get better with time. Anyone can learn anything if they have the commitment and desire...it just takes some people longer to learn how. And all that really counts is who is still standing and still learning. I can say there is point where some will be darn good and another point to greatest...this is the line at times between the talented and technique. Di