I am not a woodcarver

[Colin-Partridge]

Over the past few week I have come to the realization that I am not a woodcarver. I make an attempt at woodcarving but by no stretch of the imagination I am or will ever be a woodcarver. In the same respect I am not a painter either. So I did some soul searching and have come to the conclusion that what I do is create different things. I have this uncontrolable urge inside me all of the time to create things. I can somewhat carve, I can somewhat paint, somewhat burn. I can do a little taxidermy, I can create chainsaw pieces, I can write stories, songs, poetry, ect. I never have the desire to be better than anybody else and genuinly love to see what other people create. I am humbled most of the time of their genuine talent. I may be if to con and old phrase "A jack of all trades and master of none." I look through these theads and marvel at the talent and artistry of some of the people here. I have seen so many people that would have you believe that they are the worlds best woodcarvers and never stop telling everyone that they are. I dont know why I started this discussion but this is the way that I seriously feel. I love this message board and all the people on it you are all a great bunch of people. I was just wondering if any of you also feel this way. There are so many here that I am in awe of far too many for me to mention and I might forget a few if I tried to mention them all and I would feel really bad. As I get to the end of my ramblings I am now thinking I wont post this because that is exactly what it is, my ramblings. Just wondering if anyone else feels this way.
Colin

[Tom-H]

Colin, At the risk of exposing myself as a no talent wanta-be whittler/carver, woodworker, quilter, etc.; I tend to agree with you. At least I agree that some have that need to always be producing/creating something. Some are able to express this need in several mediums. I do believe this need must be expressed and come out. I also believe, that you are certinally underestimating your talents and abilties in so far as carving and painting. I am also sure that this is the same with your other talents. I only wish that I had this figured out when I was younger. I can do lots of things, but I have never spent the time on any single thing to really master it. To others who have this need to create, it might help if they spent the time on a single thing in order to master it. I think if I could do that, I would be happier with what I can do. You, Colin, are a wood carver and a painter. TOM H

[Kenny_S]

I DON"T AGREE WITH NEITHER ONE OF YOU!!!!!
I think you both are super carvers!

SO THERE!

[brian-bailey]

I agree with Kenny S!

Colin,

You need to read the book "Art & Fear, Observations on the perils ( and rewards ) of Artmaking" by David Bayles & Ted Orland.

The book addresses exactly the feelings expressed by you in your post.

Believe me you're not alone!

[JIM QUILICI]

Colin,

I think (really i know)that you sent me a carving at Christmas . and in that carving I seen a whole lot of talent. enough talent that a lot of people droul and slober wishing that they could do 1\2 as well as old Colin does. .......Jus my 2 cents worth.
Just old Jim

[dutchmanmk3]

You Sir clearly must possess an I.Q of no less than 185 ! ;^)

From my point of view this is the very best place to be ! I am always in awe when I see what other folks come up with. Makes everyday like Christmas. Jester

I see myself the same as any Ant. I do what I do out of a tenacious desire to create. I had a friend tell me once that it was impossible to "Do Everything" ! That's pretty much a no brainer, but some of us actually "DO" Have Fun trying.

They say it's lonely at the top. I reckon I'll skip that part ! LOL. Signed, Marc "Master Bodger" !

[Marci MN]

Ooooo I'm the same way. I've dabbled in all kinds of crafts.. I just want to learn them all! So far woodworking has been my biggest joy.

I too would rather go make something with my hands than sit in front of the Tv. That drives me nuts.

And I'm frugal to the bone. So if I can make a gift I'd rather do that than run to the store and buy one.

Heres one for ya. I was told that folks with long lobes under their ears are creative folks.. those with thin earlobes are serious thinkers. I have long lobes.. cant think for a hoot. LOL But put something in my hands and I'll make something of it sooner or later.

[squbrigg]

Colin my friend, you are ever so humble, but very, totally, unrealistic! I know I don't express myself right sometimes, but you sir, "are" a carver! Like it or not, you have a God given talent that many people could only envy.

You have a skill with your chosen tool (the trusty chainsaw) that 99.9999999% of folks don't have, you have the passion to create and the artistry to put it all together.

Are there better carvers? Yes, probably. Just like there are many better ship modellers and carvers than me. But it isn't about being better, or best, or the greatest, is it? It's about enjoying what you do, expressing yourself in your own way and having fun carving wood, a joy that exceeds no other.

Colin.....stop thinking so much and get carving! Smile We enjoy your participation here in our small community of carvers. We aren't all professionals here, just a bunch of folks who enjoy their passion with wood. Your enthusism and encouragement of others is contageous and goes a long way in making the carving world a better place.

Just my opinion, but that's how I see it.

Bob

[Donna_T]

Colin, ole buddy, you've been in the cold, dark northern winter too long and you've got frostbite of the mind. Of course you are a wood carver, painter, artist....

I think that one of the really neat things about woodcarvers is that they are fairly humble about their skills and talents, and will share everything they've learned with someone else at the drop of a hat--unlike many other artists. We're seldom totally satisfied with what we're doing--always looking for a better way to do it next time.

All that said, you may not be a Michaelangelo caliber- GREAT woodcarver --but you are a good person and a good woodcarver and a good carving friend and coach--and we're a whole lot better than the millions of people who won't even try to carve---or the carvers who think they know it all and/or have no room to improve. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Donna T

[GeorgiaCarver]

I would like to be a professional carver, I dream about it. I envy those who are and I think someday, if I practice alot, I too could be good enough to sell my work and spend my days having fun.

Tomorrow I will wake up at 6:00, shower, get dressed and go to work..... I will think about my dream once or twice during the day....

SomedayBouncing S


As others have said, your work is awesome. I wish I had 1/2 the tallent that you had. This is a great group of people, I hope to meet some of you one of these days.