[Tom H]

Gene, Just so long as you don't stop posting your carvings, and "hanging out" on this board/forum. Your carvings alone are an inspiration, and when your thoughts are added it's a joy. You have had nothing but kind words of encouragement for all carvers on this board/forum. Looking forward to your continued postings and wonderful carvings. Onward and up ward!

Tom H

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Gene. I always enjoy seeing what you're up to. Like the others I think you're selling yourself short by saying you're never going to be as good as someone else. While you might not be there yet you're certainly bumping up against the edge of the envelopes of those other people. And, if I can be so bold as to offer a suggestion, I think I know a way that you can leave them behind.

I see so many carvers who are good but for some reason they limit themselves one way or another. I took a look at Jack Price's CCA page and my first thought was how static his figures were. Every one of them is just "standing" there. Nothing is really going on. While the little figures are interesting just think how much more interesting they would be if they were actually involved in doing something. Granted, the Cave man is involved in a project but the carver captured him while he was, again, just standing there.

My suggestion would be to seperate yourself from the others by making your characters active and alive. Instead of standing make them walk or run...bend the legs at the knees and hips occasionally...get the arms out away from the body and take advantage of the body's ability, even a small body, to bend at the waist and the neck to turn in different directions.

Last week at the Wichita show I was fortunate to set next to Skyler Johnson during the Whittling Contest. We were each given a 3X2" block of wood and were told to carve anything we wanted. Skyler produced this little Gnome figure who was confidently strutting down some imaginary forest path. That 3X2 block was chocked full of action. He decided to do a figure that was "doing" something while the rest of us settled on the usual static versions. He won the contest. You can too!

[tucker1931]

Gene, you never cease to amaze me, the two little guys you posted here are fantastic as are all your carvings. It just so happens that the little people are also my favorites (outside of wood spirits) my 2 best carvings to date are only inch and a half tall and everyone that sees them loves them. Whatever size you carve there old buddy will be great, so let 'er rip and be sure to post the pix as they are born.
Cliff

[Jim OH]

Hi Gene,
I always enjoy seeing your minatures and the two above are no exception! I am glad you have found your niche and if that is what your enjoy then go for it! Your minatures have great expressions and just the right amount of detail to always give me a smile. Thank you so much, friend!
Jim OH

[Merle Rice]

Hey Lynn, you lost,can't belive that. That had to be one great contest. Merle

[Lynn O. Doughty]

It was.....Randy Landen, Skyler, Ed Zinger...a real Shootout! However, I did manage 2nd!

[gene messer]

Thank you all for the kind comments ..

Lynn .. Thank you so much for the suggestions .. because thats exactually what I want to do with my little figures .. give them more life with movement and create scenes with them ...

Ever since the Burying old clem scene I did .. I have wanted to do minature scenes of movement with characters ..

Your's are certainly a inspiration to us all .. Thanks for the suggestion ..

Thank you all so much for your kind comments and help .. you are all great friends ..

Gene

[Ashbys]

Gene ,

I love your carvings , you have always impressed me and your always helping someone . Just keep posting Small large tiny they will all be great.

Ash

[Robert Cahill]

I am sure I mentioned that seeing your little people inspired me to try it. I now have Jack Prices book and CD and have carved several little people and have a long way to go to do as well as you. My computer is dial up and too slow to visit you tube. I do best with a book instead of a DVD so I agree with the others you should write a book and adding actions miniatures would be great

[Bandaid]

It's been an pleasure to follow the sharing of your talents. The series of your videos will encourage many to pick up that knife and get carving.
All the best..