How long is one a beginner?

[Tom-H]

I am beginning to wonder just how long I can get away with saying I am a beginner. I have been trying to learn to carve for one year. I think that I have used the words "new" and/or "beginner" when referring to a carving that I have completed. And I think I probably used the words to mean "hey! cut me some slack" I am a beginner. The questions then are; At what point does one cease being a beginner? And just what comes after beginner? Can I be a beginner forever?? Tom H

[Kenny_S]

We ll Tom, That depends!! I was a biginner in 1988 when I first started carving. Carved for about 6 months and then did not carve for about a year, Then I began agaiin in 1989 for about 6 months and then nothing for a couple of years. Started back in 1991 for approximately a year and then nothing for several years. This was the pattern Till 2003 when I retired.
With this pattern, I believe I am still a beginner carver.
If you don't use it(carving) you lose it(have to start again), hence a beginner.

I am a Beginner compared to Lynn Dougthy,
Hugh, ALA, Colin, Dave(HiHO) and a few others.

[Ashbys]

Good question Tom,

I am still a beginner, at least I feel like one most of the time. But my first carving I did in May of 2005, but I did not get my first tools until mid June so i would say that was when I started carving , so I will claim beginner status for at least another 10 years !

Mobster

Ash

[jillsy]

Well Tom, I've been technically carving for a few years (if that's what you wanna call it!) but since it's been so sporatic, and I'm basically teaching myself, I consider myself new.

I guess you start considering yourself at the intermediate level once you've mastered all the basics.

[Goody]

Usually until you get your first couple sets of stiches out and you still carve.

When you no longer need to go get stiches.

Goody

[Doug Ridley]

'Bout 30 years in my case.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by jillsy

Well Tom, I've been technically carving for a few years (if that's what you wanna call it!) but since it's been so sporatic, and I'm basically teaching myself, I consider myself new.

I guess you start considering yourself at the intermediate level once you've mastered all the basics.

What are the basics? I agree that your no longer a beginner when you've mastered the basics. But which basics? The basics of carving in every carving style or the basics of say carving birds. I'm a beginner bird carver, but I think of my self as an intermediate relief carver. Personally I think that it's how you think of yourself and how you portray yourself to other people.

Just my thoughts on the topic
Dylan

[woodtrapper]

If you go to a art gallery you will always say I am a beginner.If you ask your family they will consider you a professional so as no to hurt your feelers.Try selling a piece or two and see how people would react.

[Claude]

According to the contest rules at the Northern Virginia Woodcarvers annual carving competition, you can't be a Novice any more in a category in which you have won a blue ribbon. So, one way to stay a beginner is to never enter any competitions... Smile

Claude

[Thomp]

Wish i would have read this thread before i told rick i would like to be on his beginners list as standby if his list didnt make enough interested..

i have been carving all my life to some extent. like most fledgeling carvers it was a bi-annual hobbie for times when i was healing up from falling off a roof or rainey day project to keep my hands busy, i never been paid or won a compitition for one of my carvings, well my wife did enter one in the 4h for me i got a blue ribbon for but i dont think that counts i was the only carving entered in adult class.

but never the less at 54 i call myself a beginner all my carving till last years has been with knife only, now i started learning to use palm tools i feel like a beginner whenever i buy a new tool... well maybe an experianced beginner, but ill never know it all. carving is too expancive and too broad of term to cover all the facets of carving..

i dont have enough confidence to take on a commition becuse i dont feel confident i could complete it.
but if i carved something and someone wanted to pay me for my time and effort i would sell it.??

still purplexed in the whole beginner - spurt thing as there is no clear cut definition. and you never stop learning....

maybe im from a different time when a carpenders job wasent done untill the house was built the outhouse was in place and the well was dug..