Prison carving

[tnartist05]

Last wk end was our big Christmas art show,it was from Thurs{set up} Friday-Sunday.

On Friday moring early I told my wife I will be right back,going to see some of the other peoples things here at the show.

I saw a older gentleman,with a old white sheet on his table,even thoug most of us had covers on our tables to the floor and our booths was suppose to be decorated in a Christmas style.

On his table was the BEST detailed scroll saw work I'd ever seen and Ive seen alot. There was a train that was built about 3 ft long,tacks,lights and the train with a coal car behind it,all with such details. Just un real~~

I looked at all the art work that was done with a scroll saw and it all was just beautifull! I asked the older man, Sir you cut all theses??

" Nope" is all he said, I asked him than who did Sir?? " My son" is all he replied again. I said he sure does a wonderfull job with his saw and Ive not seen anything of his ,that isnt just great in my life.{while viewing scroll saw art work} Will your son be here later today or this wk end for the show,Id like to meet him? " Nope" he replied. Does he have shop Sir. " Nope" Then I asked Id like one of his business cards? " Dont have any"

About that time I spotted a towel on his folding chair behind him, there was a corner of something on wood under the towel. Sir is that more of your sons work over there in the chair.

"Yeap" one of his older carvings,1st ones he did. I asked him,could I look at it. " Sure " I unfolded the towel and theres was a 8 1/2 X 10 1/2 relief carved,turning it over just a name signed in pencil. It was carved in maple and the frame was walnut.

I asked him,are you going to sell this carving. " Its not as good as the ones on the table" He replied. I told him I sure would like to buy it Sir and if you want to sell it,how much do you want for it??

" 20 dollars " He said, OK I want it but 1st how long has your son been in prison?? I asked him.

His eyes got as big as saucers!! " How did you know" 1st if I could saw that good with a scroll saw, I would be here to show off my work plus sell it in person.

2rd He doesnt have a shop or work place at home and 3rd He didnt have any way of being contacted by not haven any business cards which I know with his talent he would have had people ordering things from him hand over fist.

I asked him how many years has he been in prison? "19 so far" HUmmmm I asked him another question,How much more time does he have Sir. " might get out in about 3-4 yrs.

Do you save his money for him, " Yeap" and I see him once a month,take him a little money which he can buy a few things there at the prison with.

I told him Im very proud of you Sir and I know your son appreciate you as well. Plus please tell your son what a carver he is for me! As I handed him $ 30.00 "Too Much" he replied .........its more than worth it to me,I toid him. He smiled with out a tooth in his head.

Long drawn out story,but it was worth telling I thought.

Tn~

[Just Carving]

Great story--and just at the right time. Happy Thanksgiving Forrest!

Bob L

[tnartist05]

Bob L you would have had to just see the scroll saw work to belive it,it was just that good. Plus I was proud of his father for standing by his son no matter what. Gald you liked this about this Prison Carving,its a ture story!

Happy Thanks Giving, Bob L ............Forrest

[Merle Rice]

Forrest,you tell a great story. Very interesting to read. Thanks for sharing it with us. Merle

[Dan Wegiel]

Another great story Forrest. The son does do great work and his father has to be proud even under the circumstances. I wish you and all your family a great Thanksgiving.

Dan

[tnartist05]

Merle,I didnt think alot about the carving I bought,just found it today,it was packed up in some of my art work from the show. But thinking back about the old man and his son how good of a carver he was,just had to share how this carving came about. Im glad you enjoyed reading it and hope you have a nice Thanks Giving Merle. Forrest

[tnartist05]

And the same to you Dan but Thanks Giving isnt just on Nov.22 this year,Im thankfull everyday for my family and to me thats what life is about. Hope you and yours have a great Thanks Giving Dan. Gald you enjoyed the story.

Forrest

[windsong]

Forrest
That such a touching story.There nothing like a Fathers love.Well mabe a Mothers Love.Thanks for sharing the story.
windsong

[tnartist05]

I dont know weather a fathers love or a mothers love is stronger when it comes to their children. I know children bond with thier mothers when they are 1st born. My 3 older children now, did well and Im not bragging,well maybe a little---LOL But I was the Mr.Mom at my home for 21yrs and loved every min. of it. This old man selling his sons carvings,reminded me of that movie Sling Blade with Billy Bob Thronton in it. He acted and talked just like him. The point is,he was least still helping his son no matter what his son had done wrong. Im gald you enjoyed the meaning behind this carving. Windsong

Forrest

[chipper67]

Forrest,

You said you were a Mr. Mom for 21 years. Wow! I am currently a stay-at-home-dad (Mr. Mom) going on 7 1/2 years. We too have been blessed that one of us can stay home. I have to admit there are times that I would like to go back to work, but I know that one of us being home is better for our children. My point is that when you have children your life's priorities change (for the better) and you do what's best for them. I too am loving every minute of it. The time is just going way too fast. I'm not sure if I'll do it as long as you did but I just wanted to say congrats for doing it. It is truly a lot of work and the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Thanks for the story. It just goes to show you how much love a parent has for their children.

Chipper67