[Mike-in-WV]

Just read where Emil said it would take him about 2 weeks to carve one of his figures. Useing his method of no pictures or lines to draw with that seems like a short time. Sure wish I knew what he used to carve his carictures. Mike

[rick-in-seattle]

Mike,
Emil used a mallet and chisels whilie holding the carving in his lap.
While his results were amazing, I would not recommend anyone use his method.

Most of his carvings were in green/wet Alder; he kept the wood in a barrel of water to keep it wet.

Alder is beautiful wood to carve wet, but once it dries, it is nearly as hard as maple.

Unlike most of us, Janel was a trained sculptor before he became a woodcarver.
I have a picture of him in a white lab coat sculpting a bust.

His recreation was carving stumps near his cabin. I wonder if they are still there?

[Mike-in-WV]

Thanks for the info Rick. If the carvings are still at his cabin I sure hope someone has taken care of them.

I sent you an email earlier this evening about that roughout I orderd. Take care, Mike

[BasketballJones]

Keep it rolling. I appreciate learning about the history.

[rick-in-seattle]

I have a book of Emil Janel's carvings with comments written by him and it is even signed by the man. Near the back is a section of his thoughts and musings.

One of my favorites; (I can't quote because I don't have the book in front of me) was: I carve old men because childrens faces have nothing to say.

That sounds harsh, but I believe his intent was to express that;

Lifes experiences are worn in the faces of old men.

[Mike-in-WV]

Rick, From the look on some of the faces of his carvings I have to wonder if they aren't a reflection of his own life feelings. If anyone really looks close at his carvings you can't help but see the emotions in each and every one of them.

Do you know how he passed and his age? Mike

[rick-in-seattle]

Mike,
I have pictures of his carvings that you wouldn't believe.
He did a nude of his wife, also a nude man inside a cage (I have no idea how.)
He carved some grotesque faces that were pure emotion.
He even whittled a few small items like spoons.

[Cut_Fingers]

Wow - Thanks for posting the pics Rick. I can't imagine the time or effort to do those people inside the cage. He REALLY makes a statement with the pieces that I've seen

A true Master Carver & Imaginist!!! (if thats a word, if not it should be in his case)

Jim

[Mike-in-WV]

Rick, One of these days I'm going to see if I can find a copy of that book you have. This man had talent well beyond what most of us could ever comprehend. Mike

[Nancy_G]

Rick -- you're a blessing for showing us so much. Thanks.