Do you suppose carving makes good people? Or is it that good people are drawn to carving? In all my life's endevors I have never come across a group of people with such diverse backgrounds, formally trained artists, apprenticed, hobbyists; that share so openly. If I wasn't a carver I'd want to be one! Thank you all for being you.

Dave

[Paul_Guraedy]

I think you have to be basically gregarious to stay with this art form. If you want to develop your skill, you must be willing to ask, 'how did you do that?.' There are so many of us that are untrained in the arts, that don't know, 'you can't do that.' so we find a way to 'do that.' I have yet to meet anyone who has been carving very long that has not taught me something.

There must be something primal relating to the shaping of wood by humans. I travel a lot with an RV and like to carve on these trips. There is nothing (except a puppy) that will bring strangers together faster than to start carving. You better like people and be willing to talk about carving to do it in public. So the loner must carve in secret seclusion and remain hidden to carvers and non-carvers alike.

Paul Guraedy
Alpena, ARkansas

[Callynne]

And you for being you, Dave!
I totally agree, as a beginner I couldn't believe how totally open all the carver's I talked to were, more than willing to help and to share.
I was talking about that a while back with a friend who does photography, she said that she's found the absolute opposite to be true with photographers. All the ones she's run into (and her husband and her have been doing this for years) don't want to share anything. Weird, huh, and definitely sad! Sure glad carver's aren't like that, I'd never have gotten anywhere with this obsession of mine! Thanks again, all you great people! Callynne

I think you'll find that all people are basically good. Put a group of them with a common interest together and you'll get the same result. Along with being basically good, we're kinda like dogs too. Real friendly, but once in awhile you run across a mad one

[squbrigg]

In catching up on all the messages I've missed over the past week, I came across this discussion and just had to pitch in.

Callynne...my daughter and I had that same chat yesterday. She's a photographer and has tried several discussion groups and message boards, and she finds the same thing about photographers. They don't like to share or encourage each other. The appear to enjoy the praise of their work (but then who doesn't) but don't like to discuss how they achieved those results or encourage others. She finds that in general, they assume a very superior attitude.

Carvers on the other hand, we very much agree, are the most friendly, sharing and creative group to be found. They will encourage, give a good honest critique, and share experiences and coffe with equal enthuasism! We have both found them to be generous in their desire to help new carvers learn and succeed and to just discuss and share their experiences with veteran carvers.

Perhaps it is in the nature of carving that lies the secret. I carve to relax, to express myself, to challenge myself to do more and better work. The process is my bigest reward, not necessarily the result. Sit back, relax and carve.

A photographer is under more stress, I believe, they have to concentrate hard to get that shot, set it up just so, lighting has to be perfect, composition planned. And then have to wait anxiously to see if their work paid off and wasn't messed up in developing. So many things can go wrong with a camera, film and the setting.....all stressful. Winds 'em too tight , me thinks! : Then they don't want to share their secrets, afraid someone else will 'steal their thunder!'

As usual, just an opinion.

BTW, she is envious of the comradearie (sp?) of the carvers. I wish she would start carving, but we can't have it all.

Bob

[Colin_Partridge]

Totally agree I was a wildlife painter and taxidermist before I was a carver. Artists seem to be jealous of other Artists and Taxidermists the same. I never want to compete with others that is probably why I dont enter competitons. I respect other carvers so much even if they are just starting out. I dont judge others just admire their talents because every carver is really unique some in there own simple carvings that to me are really awsome. I wont say that is the same for all carvers because it isnt there are some that have to be better than everyone else. I had a conversation with one at a carving show in Kitchener last year he said he was really mad that the surgeon couldnt schedule his operation on his arm sooner as he said to me 'I'm the Wayne Gretzky of Wood Carving' trust me he was far from it but he thought he was.
But on the whole woodcarvers are very genuine people and always willing to share. As you know I love this board and all the members on it I have made friendships here that will last a life time although I will never get to meet you all.
Colin

Colin you have said it right. I don't compete because of the strife that rises from it. The carving community is great, but in my estimation competetion is commercial. The very last time I competed I was lucky enough to win over a good bird carver. Since that time several yrs ago , this person has travelled to my home, twice, to show me their carving, not to look at mine, but to show me that theirs is better than mine, which it is. They are good people and good carvers , but that hurt has lingered with them for all of these years. I dont like competetion, I dont want to win over others, for me I want to put my best effort out each time I carve. I have received help from Jim Sprankle, Pat Godin, Vic Kirkman, Lori Corbett, and others, some of the great Artists of our time, willing to help the little guy. Fantastic community, and It is great to see that others feel as I do. Keep on keepin on folks.

Ditto with all the above.

This board has helped me to develope as a carver and the members are just fantastic helpful people.

I will continue to helps others too, because it helps me at the same time become a better carver too.

Coffeeman

[Donna_T]

I think that woodcarving is such an exercise of trial and error for most of us. We so appreaciate everyone who has given us a bit of advice or help or encouragement along the way and realize we wouldn't know what we do without that help.

Besides that, I just think wood carvers are just good people. And we cherish the friends we make along the way--friends that enjoy this same rewarding hobby--friends that help us when we need it and who we'd do anything to help too.

As for the photographers and other artists that don't enjoy this friendship....well...lucky us! Shame on them!

Donna T

[AlArchie]

[quote author=Donna_T link=board=GeneralC;num=1095057846;start=0#8 date=09/18/04 at 21:29:35]

Besides that, I just think wood carvers are just good people


Donna T[/quote]

That's just cuz ya don't really know me! I'm really pretty ugly and nasty! > :-X