Charlotte Show Whittling contest

[Mark N. Akers]

Here's a couple of carvings I did in the Charlotte Show Whittling contest hosted by Tom Wolfe.The egg I did Sat. and the Old World ornament I did on Sun.Painted them up and ready to show.They dipped a little dark due to the wood,The only one who got a descient piece of wood was Arnold LOL.I sat next to Arnold Smith on Sat. and I thought he was carving on a rock,very bad piece of wood.Any way here they are and they gave you 2 hrs. and any tool to complete the project.

[Joy]

About the only thing I can finish in two hours is my nap!!! Great pieces. I expecially like the one with the holey beard.
Joy

[Tom-H]

Mark, They are both up to your usual level of excellence. Tom H

[Blake Lunsford]

I got a chance to watch Mark carve the egg first hand and it is unbelieveable what detail he puts into a santa in such a short amount of time. I was actually carving against him on the santa with the long beard and I can tell you that my piece didn't turn out anywhere near as nice. An expert in carving santas indeed!

Blake

[gene-messer]

Great looking Santa's .. I love the long bearded one ... Your carving and painting are top's ... Excellant piece's ... Thanks for sharing ..

[woodtrapper]

Mark, I don't kow how you all do in such a short period of time but I am impressed with your work.I have been up to see Tom wolfe's gallery which is roughly 6 miles from my house.I am seriously thinking about lessons because he is so close.I learned a lot from watching the contest.I especially paid attention to everyones carving tools and tool caddys and holders.

[Lightningbolt]

Never ever too late for a Santa! I especially like the style of green stocking on the first one. Keep it up!

[whittling]

That is fast to turn out good carvings , but looks great

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Nice work Mark. Did they require that you paint them too in the contest? In Dayton this past November their contest also had the participants painting the pieces. I didn't join in as I didn't bring any paints. That was the first time I'd seen a whittling contest that included brushwork.

[tnartist05]

Very nice work Mark plus your painting on them both really brings them to life! Your carving are always up there with the best!!

Forrest