Is there really such a thing as a Master Carver?

[falconer]

What makes a carver a"Master Carver"? Is it the number of years they've been carving and mastered there specialty? Or is it a big ego trip to attract attention to there work? Can anyone really be a Master Carver and know everything? What are you thoughts on this?



www.sierracreekstudios.com

[BobD]

INCOMING....TAKE COVER <GRIN>

We've had this disucssion a few times here on the message board. <slipping into day care mode, LOL> Before anyone posts, I want to remind you all that everyone is entitled to their own opinion...No Fighting <GRIN>

I say that because in the past people's feelings really got hurt over this topic, and I want to forestall that as much as possible. This is a topic that people really have strong feelings about, and while it's a great topic, I want to warn everyone that it is also a sensitive subject.

Here's my take on it:
The term master carver has historically referred to the classically-trained carvers in the European Tradition. They've gone through the training, and apprenticeship, etc. that all the old-world guilds required and were recognized by their peers as a "master" of their style of carving. Chris Pye, for example, is considered a master carver.

But the question now is whether that defination is still valid since many carvers are not in a guild, or professional association. Does someone have to be a member of the elite association to be a master carver? Pat Goudin, for example, or Harold Enlow...couldn't they be considered masters of their own style of carving???

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[falconer]

Thanks Bob! I did'nt realize that this had been a sore subject for some. I was just curious and wanted to know others take on the subject. I don't want to start any fights over this, I'm just a peaceful man with an overactive curosity. Ok you guys keep it nice and clean, no punches below the belt!!!


www.sierracreekstudios.com

[Kenny_S]

There are some who thinks that that is a great honor and rightly so. But those peole's ego isn't bigger than themselves.

Then there are those who don't care one way or the other if a person is a "Master Carver". I fall in that group. It is only an opinion who is and who isn't.
There is only ONE "MASTER CARVER"

Not intended to offend anyone, "Master Carvers" or the rest of us.
Just an opinion and to me, Only one that counts.Wink

[Wolf Kiessling]

As Bob correctly stated, the term Master Carver is European. As far as I know, there is no set of guidelines or criteria in the United States that define this term. I believe the that under the European guidelines, there is a set amount of years involved and there are several tasks that have to be successfully completed before the title can be claimed.....

[Joy]

I think my definition of a Master Carver is someone who has mastered many different styles of carving. All I have seen of Falconer is his raptors. I would certainly consider him a Master Carver of raptors....but by my definition that wouldn't make him a "MASTER CARVER". (Sorry, I am picking on you for my example, Falconer.) And if he does other styles as well as he carves raptors...then by my definition he would earn the title.

just my opinion

[JIM QUILICI]

if you are married and are a man thats makes you a master . and then if you carve. there you go, your a master carver. that my take on it ......lol
in my dreams
Just old Gem

[falconer]

That's ok Joy, I have a thick skin and you do have a point! Pretty much all I do these days is raptors. I think a master carver should be able to do any type of carving that's put in front of them, and well.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I abstain.......I am a Jack of all trades and MASTER of none lol........just a carver

[Ashbys]

What is a master carver?

I understand the idea the only way to become a master is to train under a master and master the skills to do the job well. So for the purpose of understanding , if the only masters are in Europe , then to become a master you must go to Europe.

But given that , there is much more that goes into what really makes a master. In the journeymen programs you train under a master. But the man is not a master until he has students of his own. Until that time he can be an excellent craftsman , but it is the students which makes him the master.

I would consider Mark a master. He has made a living carving , his work is exceptional, he may not met the Europe standard for being a master , but he is a master of the trade. He knows the skill, he has proven that time after time, and each of us here study his work.

A title of being called master means nothing, if you do not teach. Master is only a titlement of a student to his teacher nothing more. To be trained by a master does not make you a master.

A master is one who has mastered his trade and himself and teaches others to do the same.

in my opinion.