[squbrigg]

'Geez, I wish I could do that!' How many times have we all heard that expression, or used it ourselves? Perhaps that question is what got you started in carving! You saw a carving, or an article on carving, and said to yourself, ...'I wish....!'

Yes, I'm in a reflective mood, perhaps it's because I've been up all night and couldn't sleep. So I went down to my little shop and worked on another Celtic design. It got me to thinking about some of the work of the other fine carvers on this group and others.

Simple thing carving.....take a stick of wood, an old 2 X 4 even, a sharp knife or other fancy tool and remove some wood and create something! It's the knowing what wood to remove and what to leave's the thing. Anyone can do it! You just have to try. But that's the thing.....trying.

I have always taken my efforts for granted, no big deal, just simple ship models, or carvings, nothing special. I've always looked at the work of others and thought those very words,...'I wish...!'

A friend brought me to my senses (I think) recently, after I had been invited to set up a display for the summer of my work in ship modelling at a local park (Ritchie Wharf, in Miramichi, NB, like a little theme park , celebrating the regions shipbuilding heritage). I was saying that I was surprised at the invitation, and he couldn't understand why? He said to me....'There are 30,000 people in this city, but you are the only person who can take a stick of wood and create a work of art from it like you do'.

That set me back....I've never thought of it in those terms. I'm sure he's exaggerating, but it made me think. I've been carving and building ships for 34 years, give or take, and some years did little, others a lot, but always did some. I've never considered myself an expert, or master at anything, and still don't, I just enjoy what I do. Carving relaxes me, inspires me, and I get a lot of gratification from it.

Simple thing a carving, shape a piece of wood into something.... cut here, sand there, a bit of finish and ......voila! 'Geez, wish I could do that!' I'm sure I'll hear that a lot this summer.

Drop in folks, if you're in the area, and we'll chat carving!

Bob
(still surprised as heck at being invited!)

[Nancy_G]

I'm not at all surprised you were invited to such a great gathering.
Congratulations.
And the first thing I said when I saw your ships was, 'Geez, I wish I could do that!'

That is a great story Bob. Hope you enjoy every minute. As for myself carving is what keeps my sanity and soul together. Sometimes it turns out right and sometime is doesn't. Keep on keeping on.
Barb

Congrats on the invitation. Your ships are a work of ART and you should justly feel that they deserve to be seen and appreciated.

Wow, Bob!!! I wish I could.....

Your work is truly amazing - I'm not surprised in the least about the invitation!

Congratulations!

Teri

[AlArchie]

There is definitely no surprise that you were asked....what amazing reproductions in miniture you create! Like the others, 'Wish I could do that!'

In fact I have planned on trying a model of an old wooden fishing boat that my broter-in-law used to have, but don't even know where to start. Maybe someday............

Al

[Colin_Partridge]

Bob congratulations on the invite but it doesnt suprise me either you work is amazing. It is not that I couldnt do it or I look at it and say I wish I could do that. I just wouldnt have the patience to do it and that is a fact. It takes a very unique talent to do what you do and by the look of your work you are a master.
Colin

[Bandaid]

Well deserved invitation Bob...congratulations!

[squbrigg]

My friends,

I thank you for your very kind words and encouragement. Coming from this talented group make them ever so much more important to me.

It should be an interesting summer and I am looking forward to it.

Regards,

Bob

[jamesfa]

can you provide so details on your participation how long will you be at the wharf.I usually wander around atlantic canada in the summer.
by the way 'geez, wish i could do that' has become my favorite saying when i look at the various albums