How did you get started?

[mark yundt]

We've see your first and your latest carvings.And I'm sure we've all been asked this question.But what made you do that first carving? I know the most common answer will be,,, I saw Wood Carving Illustrated on the web/newsstand and decided to give it a try.Or was it a Father,Uncle etc. did it.I had to make a piece for a broken chair/frame etc. Did you see someones work at a show,tried to copy it, and possibly now would like to thank, or curse that person for getting you hooked?I'm always interested in why people do the interesting things they do.New carvers as well should respond,,, what brought you here? What made you want to try this?Could be interesting and fun.Go ahead,,,tell us something about yourself.

[wade clark]

I was stuck in Submarine School, New London, CT, bored to death. There was a wood shop on the base; I picked up a scrap piece of balsa wood out of the discard bin, took it back to the barracks and carved a chain with my pocket knife. I'd seen my uncle carve one a few years before and always thought some day I'd try to carve one. I never did much carving for a long time after that, but I was never as bored as that icy winter in Sub School!
Now I never get bored, but carve whenever I can. Moving to TN over the last year I've been focused on building my carving shop/barn, but I hope to unpack my tools this week and begin carving a castle out of a cypress knee.
Wade

[slivers&dust]

I really don’t have a good story about how I started…
I’ve always been "artsy-fartsy" though and fascinated with how things are done "the creative process".
I was introduced to woodcarving through my dad, various magazines’ and books, I knew I had to give it a try the moment I saw the realistic decoy and bird carvings, they were just amazing, so lifelike.

[JIM QUILICI]

I got started because of the money and fame. of couse it has not happened yet. lol.
Just old Jim

[mark yundt]

Not only carving talent but funny as well,,love the quote too,,LOL..

[Bartster]

mark,

it was always an interest of mine and i didnt really start until i began working shift work and was home during the day and was bored watching daytime tv so i started carving and havent finished yet.

bart

[ElWoodTroll]

A tree fell on my car during a windstorm. Made me mad, so I took a chainsaw to it

[mikeg]

I took a second job at a Barnes and Noble during my divorce. One day while I was putting books on the shelves I came accross a carving book. That caught my eye and I've been doing it on and off ever since.

mikeg

[Mitchell]

From a couple of years ago....

http://woodcarvingillustrated.com/fo...ead.php?t=3957

[Mitchell]

From April.....

What's your story?

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My first carving was made about 25 or more years ago when I was too "cheap" to buy my sister a birthday present. She collected pigs and I decided to carve one similar to one I saw in a store. I carved a few items during that time frame, but quit due to work constraints.

I started back carving about 10 years ago, but still have had spells where I do (did) not carve - sometimes for months. Thankfully, those spells are getting less frequent and shorter in duration.