[Iowa Carver]

I will agree with you on Rick. I am involved with a beginner project right now on another board that he is taking his time to help us with. I am fascinated with his Hobo carving.

Corey

[Kenny_S]

Yeper, Rick Ferry is one of the nicest person for sure and very very helpfull. Nancy Goff is a great carver, Debroah Call, I like Goody's style and one that I admire and had the pleasure and honor to meet is Ron Davidson. So much inspiriation from Ron. Also there are many on this board that are great carvers. Colin, Jim Q and the list goes on.

[BobD]

I've had the unique pleasure in the past three years to meet A LOT of carvers. I can't even begin to name them all, but I really haven't met one who I didn't like and respect. Carvers are GOOD PEOPLE in my book. I've never met one who tried to keep his or her "trade secrets." Most are overjoyed to help you.

This board is a good example of that. If you have a question and ask it here, expect to read more about it than you may have imagined. We've got a collective knowledge here that rivals most of the carving books in print. And no one holds anything back!

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[Myron Compton]

Harold Enlow started my passion. I think Lynn Doughty has made me strive to be as good as I am. I also just love the work of Gerald and Barb Sears. And the carvings of Phil and Vicki Bishop are just unbelievable. And got to mention Pete Leclair.
Thanks to all of these for the inspiration........Myron

[xsailer]

I had suggested Mark Yundt earlier but Fred Zadavil would be another nominee that, in my opinion, that could carry this title for a year.

[VAwoodcarver]

I really only have one, the late John L. Heatwole. The only carver that has ever been invited to display his work at the Capitol Rotunda in D.C. I was incredibly lucky when i was just getting started carving to get advice and shown some of the basics before he passed..

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Thinking on it, I have to agree with Rick as carver of the year...his carvings of hobo's are outstanding and unique...and would be very interesting reading in themselves...but beyond that Rick IS the Woodcarver of the Year every year....he helps so many people starting out....he creates projects for new carvers and some of us not so new...i.e. the carvings he sent around and we each carved a bit on and sent off.....Rick does this out of his own pocket and a little recognition would go a long way in letting him know, we do appreciate all he does......I guess I am saying an "All around woodcarver " lol....Just so I don't hurt any feelings here....there are many carvers here that are extremely helpful and are also appreciated, but for one to continue year after year as Rick does....that deserves an "Attaboy" in my book.

[K Karver]

I removed this part of the thread because there is a more complete list in post #22. That is the one I will continue to update.

John K Karver

[Wyobulldog]

So many great carvers and fun styles to play with, but as a westerner Cleve Taylor is one of my favorites. Lynn O. Doughty has some great stuff, like many others I've seen here, I aspire to some day have a third of their talent.

Mike

[Nancy_G]

We've all seen the fantastic Anthony Hillman in the magazine. He's one of my favorites. We do without FOOD to buy his birds.