The easy way to learn

Most of us learn to carve the hard way; starting with a dull pocket knife and a 2 x 4. I myself carved alone for over twenty years; never meeting another carver.

For beginners, I suggest you seek out experienced carvers to learn from.

Since December, I have been carving once a week with a student and have been impressed with the rapid progress.

The level it took me thirty years to reach, he has been able to meet in 5 months. I wonder what he might accomplish over the next quarter century.

Also for you old timers, take on a younger student and pass on some of that hard earned knowledge you have. Think of it as a way to carve when we are only a memory.

[Colin-Partridge]

Rick I couldnt agree more it has only been this last few months that I have been showing people how to carve and your right it took me much longer to catch on than they do. I am like you I have always carved alone so therefore there were no suggestions or ideas except for mine. People have been asking me for years to teach but I have never thought I was good enough to do that. I have now been talked into teaching at least one course and it looks as if its full before I set the course date. So maybe I have something to pass on to the next Jeff Phares or Tom Wolfe.
Colin

Colin, happy to hear you are teaching; keep it up.

I have been working on a new method of teaching; it is like paint by numbers, except the chips to be removed are numbered. I haven't quite worked out the logistics yet.... :-/

[Lindy]

As you all know I just started carving last October and I have to admit that I wouldn't even have tried this if it weren't for the fact that Lee Valley has courses. I am very grateful that Don Williams was there to teach me and I am currently taking another course from him on relief carving. Unfortunately this will probably be my last course because I am planning on moving to Enderby, BC at the end of August and from what I have heard so far there are no courses out there. I just hope I have learned enough to be able to continue to get better at this craft. :P

So for the rest of us newbies I too truly recommend taking some courses as it really helps bring the satisfaction level higher, quicker. :-[

Lindy

Rick, you have an excellent point.

I am a new carver who has had the benefit of learning from an experienced carver, my uncle.

It has really helped me to understand carving in a light that I am not able to get from books alone. I’ve learned all about different types of carving woods, grain patterns and carving tools.

If I get stuck, he is always willing to help me get unstuck. If I need a special tool, he usually has it, can tell me what I should purchase, or can show me how to use my tools to get the job done.

When (not if, unfortunately) I cut myself, he suggests that I should try cutting the wood instead of my hand or casually reminds me that I probably should have been wearing a protective glove.

He is able to identify when one project is finished, (or completed enough, as I am finding some things are never totally finished) and it is time to begin a new one.

He offers me praise for my accomplishments and speaks with pride about my carvings to others. He even entered one of my carvings into a show without my knowledge, because he knew that I was better than I gave myself credit. I was certainly surprised when I saw my carving at the show. I took best of division in the beginner carver category. I am still proud of that. http://www.angelfire.com/art/kitsapc...f_division.htm

I have been able to learn from his experience and incorporate some of his wisdoms.

I have found that I truly love to carve; not only for what carving has to offer, but the kinship I have developed with my uncle, a fellow carver and friend.

I look forward to carving with him every chance I get.

If he is listening, thank you.

For the rest of you out there, I agree with Rick that both being a mentor and having a mentor is an important part of carving. If you have the opportunity, I recommend that you team up with someone you can either learn from or teach or both.

Lindy, I agree that taking courses does help bring the satisfaction level of carving higher and quicker. I hope you keep carving after you move to Enderby, BC, even if there are not any local courses to take. Carving is too much fun to give up.

As Rick said, I hope to be Whittlin 'til I cash in my chips, ...and then some.

-Michael

[squbrigg]

Right on Rick! Tru'er words were never spoken. Passing on some of your hard won experience to a new generation of carvers is an excellent idea, and a very satisfying experience.

I began teaching two 'newbies' the world of scratch building ship models this past winter and their progress is an inspiration. To watch them progress to their first finished project was as satisfying for me as it was for them.

Unfortunately though, I'll probably out-live them both, as both are quite a bit senior to me, one is a 75 year old retired surgeon. Both had built kits before, but this was their first journey into scratch building. I must see if there are any 'younger' students out there interested!

Bob

[jamesfa]

I agree with the the comments previously posted there is always satisfaction when one can pass on their knowledge and experience to someone else.
personally i can learn quicker by watching and doing than reading numerous books.
my enjoyment in carving has increased since joining a small carving group locally,and joining this board.
squbrigg-one of or small carving group is 91 he has put aside his carving tools temporarily-because he is building 1 of 3 grandfather clocks from scratch.

[Captain_Bandaid]

For those more experienced carvers who belong to a club, let me offer a suggestion. When a new member shows up for a club meeting,go greet them immediately. Sit with them and find out their interests. Introduce them to the other members. Make sure they get invovled in committee business. If they are a new carver, put your tools away and work with them on their project. I belonged to a club in East Texas and while there was one or two people who did some of the above, most of the members just sat in their little comfy groups and ignored the newcomers. The club was slowly dying but nobody could figure out why! :'(

[dart]

I learned most of what I know by learning it myself. Then I met a woodcarver and he helped me a lot. Now I am back to learning by myself. Kind of an off and on type thing for me.