Met one of the "Masters" Yesterday

[AlArchie]

Our small carving club (Gogebic Range Woodcarvers) was invited to participate in a woodcarving "expo" put on by another small organization down in Bergland, Michigan.

I arrived early to set up, not because I'm overly awake in the morning, but they are in a different time zone from us and I misunderstood the starting time. Anyway, I was told to set up next to a fish carver extrodianaire! Did you ever do something you really didn't want to do. Well, that's how I felt....REALLY humbled! Haven't felt like that since I got placed next to the Michigan State Police Pistol team at the anual Fletcher Match in Jackson.

Roger Newhouse, from Niagara, Wisconsin specializes in carving Walleyes, and what a specialization it is! Proportion, scales, colorization and presentation are something that put me in total awe. Roger, on the other hand was a very humble man, in spite of his 6' plus stature. I had to take some time to pick his brain and he was most willing to give advice on the carving process, paint selection and use, scaling, eye and fin placement and all the other elements that go into world class carvings. Roger, by the way has placed very highly in the World competitions over the years and his work makes it very obvious why.

He even came over and very gently "critiqued" some of my carvings, giving advice and encouragement rather than criticism. He even invited me to stop by his shop if I get down that way.

If you ever get a chance to see some of his work, or speak with him,make sure you take advantage of that opportunity!

Oh, and as an added treat, Bill Beery stopped by and spent some time with us. Thanks, Bill for making the trip over! It was good to see you and Nancy again!

Al

[DiamondWillow]

I just looked at the 2007 World Show list and see he got a 2nd place in the Realistic Natural finish with a sunfish and turtle combination.

Gene

[AlArchie]

He had tht particular piece at the Bergland show,and it was impressive, even if diminutive in size. The piece was designed around a "red eared sunfish" and a "red eared slider". Tat's one of those dime store turtles, very similar to a painted turtle except for the redish orangs lash on the side of the head.
Both were very well researched and detailed.

Al

[revnate]

Where is Bergland Michigan?

[AlArchie]

Bergland is on the very north shore of Lake Gogebic on the western edge of the Upper Penninsula. right on M-28 at the intersection of M-64.

Al