[Lindy]

Hi there, Â*I probably should have introduced myself before posting to this board so let me please rectify that now. :-[

I'm a novice carver here in Calgary, Canada. Â*My special interest at this time is carving Big Cats and so far my preferred woods are basswood and butternut. Â*To date I have completed 4 carvings. Â*My first was that of a cougar which I learned through Lee Valley and my instructor was Don Williams. Â*I was rather proud of this carving until I carved my 2nd cougar which I brought in and showed to Don who has suggested I should put it into the Calgary Stampede Competition this year. Â*I'll post the picture as soon as I have my new camera that can do close ups Â*Since then I have also completed a Polar Bear and a Dolphin. Â*The Dolphin is my only original pattern to date.

Before coming to carving I was an oilpainter specializing in Mountainscapes, I have sold a few of those on commission as well as out of ones I had already done. Â*I have also tried sculpting which although I enjoyed never filled my soul with the passion that carving has.

I find that my biggest inspiration in my carving is Desiree Hajny whose books I now own all of. Â*I have found her patterns to well thought out and well designed for the novice like to challenge and push me higher. Â*I just found a website of some of her work that lets us beginners see just where else we can take this once we have learned the basics. Â*It is http://www.swmse.com/130DH.asp

I would really love to hear where others have found their inspiration and about the journey that has taken you there to here.

Good Carving
Lindy

Hi Lindy I'm new also, probably beat you by a day or two,
I like Desiree Haynee's carving also. I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I have never had any formal instruction, but learned from books mostly. I have been carving 6 years now and have my original Santa Carving that I did for my wife. It sure a vast improvement. As far as inspiration from books, computor websites and magazines such as this one, Chip chats and whatever I can get my hands on. I carve walking sticks, Santas, Kachinas and Santos. I have tried some chip carving also. I use hand tools, mainly because its more relaxing, I imagine if wanted to sell my carvings I would use power tools, mainly for the roughing out stage. Hope the weather is nice up there today it was in the 70's here.

[Callynne]

Hi Lindy, it's nice to have you with us and to learn more about you and your work, you too Mel! I'm with you, I love Desiree Hajny's work! Thanks for the link to see more of it!
I started carving three years ago last Christmas, other than my family it's been the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I love doing it, thinking about doing it, talking about it! : Also love seeing other artists work so share with us as soon as you can, everyone here likes seeing everyone elses work! Callynne

[owlhause]

Hi Lindy! I started out as a wildlife painter (a starving wildlife painter).
About 13 years ago I was doing an art fair and in the booth next to me was a woodcarver with santa sculptures...I think I spent most of the weekend in his booth rather than in my own! That's what got me started.
I get a lot of inspiration from books on folk art and artists who's style has a folk art 'feel' to it.
Hope to see some of your work on here soon!

Greg.

[Lindy]

Thanks for the welcome and the responses!

Callynne, I got my new camera today and used up a roll of film on the different artwork I've done. I'll put it in for developing tomorrow and pray that it turns out so I can scan them. Once I've got that done, I'll put it up on my website for everyone to see.

Thanks again!
Lindy

[Colin_Partridge]

Hi Lindy,
I also was a wildlife artist and then I went on to doing taxidermy (rewarding but messy). Then one day while I was visiting my son on Vancouver Island he had to work and I spent the day walking the beachs with the mountains of driftwood that pile up there. I had a swiss army knife and picked up a piece of driftwood that I could see a face in. I carved it and took it home. My son took it to work with him and by the time the week was over I had carved several more for his co-workers. From then on it didnt matter what piece of wood I looked at I saw a face. The journey has been great and today I still have as much passion for carving as I did those first few weeks maybe even more. I also love Desiree Hajny's work she is a remarkable artist I also have some of her books I only wish I were as talented as her. Welcoime aboard it is nice to have you along we cant wait to see your work.
Colin