Why do we carve?

[Dr. Joe]

I'm a retired psychologist and really love caricature carving, particularly recognizable caricatures. After taking a class with Ol' Don Burgdorf, I've done over a dozen such carvings -- all given away and well received by the recipients. I'm currently working on a group (MLK Jr, Wendell Berry and Will D. Campbell) for my pastor and a group (Jhun, Lauren, Sandra, Katy, Marcie and Laurie) for the team of physical therapists that I've worked with for the past several months.

During these last two large projects, I've wondered, WHY DO WE CARVE? So please help me out by taking some time to ponder, then post your own answer. I have some ideas and I'm hoping you folks will give us numerous personal answers to help me (us) understand.

Thanks for your thoughtful responses.

Joe Richardson

[Dan S]

I carve because I need a creative outlet. Carving is to me a lot like meditation. I can loose myself completely in the creative process and focus on taking off just the right amount of wood. While I carve, nothing else matters.

Dan

[carver33]

I guess I carve as a creative outlet, It's certainly not for money. I've only sold a few carvings since I started in 1984 and given away a few more. The rest are scattered throughout my house.

I take pleasure in the self satisfaction of a well finished (in my opinion) carving. My biggest problem is that I haven't progressed beyond an intermediate carver because I never repeat a style of carving. Once I've done one type of carving, I want to try something different - I don't have the desire to repeat or even carve a similar carving.

[Mark Dellinger]

Joe,
I carve for many reasons.

1. It is a great stress release
2. It has become a good addiction in a world full of bad addictions
3. The most important reason of all is that not only does it bring me great joy, but it is a way to bring joy to many of the people who I give the finished pieces to, as you no doubt found out when you gave your carvings to those who recieved them.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Dr. Joe]

Dan, Bill and Mark --

Thanks for your observations. Obviously, carvers are a thoughtful bunch, driven by something deep within. I hope others jump in. Joe

[gtech]

First, I always liked to make my own things from nothing. I wrote software on computers, worked with leather,built guitars, built my guitar pedals (worked in electronics all my life), etc...

I just love to build or create things.

So people are users, some are creators.

Second, I love wood. I like the smell, the touch, the colors, etc... If possible I would leave all my carvings unpainted, with just a natural wax to protect them. But I also like to paint, and some things look better painted.

The other reasons: I like to have original things, something different, be different, have things people don't have, collect things... a lot of things... etc...

Btw, many people don't understand that. You must feel it to understand it.

Gilles

[Spooker]

I just started carving but the reason I decided to was because I love working with wood and as my living space doesn't allow my much opportunity to build the hutches, shelves, mantles etc that I used to have room for I decided to pick up a hobby that can be done any where.
Ontop of that, two years ago while camping with family, the gentleman in the next lot over sat out side his camper all weekend and had all his whittling tools laid out and whittled while everyone else went intown to spend money of drink the night away. I thought, "that guys got it right."

[Nomad]

Carving for me is a form of relaxation and escape. I've been carving whimseys since I was a kid and I've found very few things more enjoyable for me than carving for passing the time. I enjoy the sound of carving, the look, feel, and smell of wood. I enjoy watching something take shape. I've never really tried to be uniquely creative although it happens occasionally. Generally I'm just happy to be carving anything and to be absorbed in the process but I do enjoy seeing the end product. It's the fulfillment of a goal.

[Dan Wegiel]

Dr Joe,
I carve for many of the reasons already listed, but mainly its the creation of something unique. Prior to a near death experience, I had no desire or even an inclination that this was possible. One day I found what I thought was a beautiful piece of wood and started whacking away, the result was a very bad carving, but since I've always been a competitive person I knew that I could do better so I kept at it and now after about 4 years of carving I'm finally starting to like the outcome. I am obsessed with it, but don't need an appointment with you.......yet.
Dan

[Curtscarving]

Dr Joe Alot has already been said that I agree with. For me when I see it taking shape-don't lock me up yet-I start talking to it,making up a story to go along with it. And they do talk back in my world,they make me smile and when some one else smile's I DID IT.
Wished you were a G.P. I'd come to you with all my cuts!
Curt