Carving Magazines

[Gergie]

I noticed the conversation on Chip Chats, I believe that Magazine is more for information and shows, as it is part of your membership to the National Wood Carving Association.

In my opinion, I don't think it was ever intended as a WCI type publication. (At least that has been the case since I've been a member of NWCA) I use it more as a place to find out where shows are taking place and to see what people are carving around the country.

And of course where else can you read a Fred Cogelows articles,

Just my 2 cents worth.

edit: I think it's a great magazine for beginners I used it a lot when I first started, now, not so much.

[gtech]

As most of wood carvers, I am not looking for the same things now compared to when I began. I don't need to be shown all the basic cuts, but I still need new patterns to keep the mind busy.

So I am not browsing the mags the same way than before. I still need tutorials, but not with the same content. And as Bob mentioned, there are only a few ways to carve, or paint, etc... It's how we combine all these things that we can be original or create something different.

But... there will always be beginers who still need to learn the basics, and what looks like old stuff for some of us is new stuff dor some others. So indeed, it must be hard to satisfy everybody.

But (#2)... the fact is that I still need new fast projects to carve for when I just want to relax. Things like 5 or 15 minutes Santas or wood spirits or dogs, etc...

The hard thing to do is to find new stuff.

Gilles

[jimmy joe]

WCI and Carving Magazine plus everything online . Any more and I have no time to carve .

[ragiarn]

I like the idea of more advanced articles. When I first started carving I read every word of WCI and purchased every copy I could get my hands on. Now I am looking for more advanced articles. For instance articles on how to make your own patterns. Or articles featuring works of advance wood carvers as a means of inspiring us.

[Jim Arnold]

Chip Chats a beginner's mag?

Attracting new members and catering to folks just starting out in carving is the 'life blood' of any organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the 'art'. A new column with more advanced info. would be nice, but I also think WCI is fantastic just the way it is. I continually learn from the projects and articles listed within the covers whether they're designed for experts or beginners.

Happy Holidays Everybody!

[twoclones]

Originally Posted by Jim Arnold

Attracting new members and catering to folks just starting out in carving is the 'life blood' of any organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the 'art'.

Failure to attract new members is exactly what is killing our local wood carving club. I am 56 years old and they look like a bunch of old farts to me! The club puts on 2 nice events every year but they don't have so much as a website and you have to go to a business meeting to join.

[NYRich]

I'm new enough at carving to be happy creating a bird that at least looks like a bird so each issue of WCI brings something fresh to me.. My limited experience aside, I can understand why a more experienced/advanced carver might find WCI repititious.

Although I've barely broken in my carving tools, I've been involved in photography for 40+ years. As such, I find the mainstream photo magazines extremely boring and have let my subscriptions expire. After a while, the equipment means less and less and if you can't be creative then all you're doing is "carving" the same photo again and again.

With that said, I certainly wouldn't mind a column covering artist's references. If I'm going to carve a bird, I might as well strive for a bird that is more than a generic creature with feathers.

[cgm]

I find if I want reference pics, I just google what I want under the image setting. There is a huge amount of info out there. If that doesnt get what u want there r other search engines.
If that didnt get what u wanted there r photo websites with all kinds of pics.
Places like Smithsonian website probably has pics.
U just have to be a little creative to find what u want
Carl

[Ed Redwine]

Every magazine has its niche. WCI is essential for the active carver looking for "how-to's" and new projects. Always interesting articles about carvers and events. Chip Chats is the National Wood Carvers Association organ and has been since inception. Their mission is to support woodcarving and local clubs by highlighting different shows across the country. Contrary to some beliefs, there are a number of interesting items in each issue. As for me, I will continue to keep up my subscriptions to both! The other carving "how-to" magazine is not doing much for me. That subscription will not be renewed. Nuff sed.