Why do you carve?

[Paul_Guraedy]

A current thread is considering the standing controversy of power versus hand tools. For some the choice is made for physical reasons; but, for most it appears to be decided more on the basis of preference. Since I do both, this lead me to consider why I choose one method over the other (faster, easier, better result, or even the physical location I am in) and this train of thought lead me to the question of why do I carve which lead to why do others carve?

I would like to see some of your answers to the last question as I try to come up with my answer to the same.

Leatherwork was my first tentative venture into the world of creativity. But, to me, it was too limiting. I did not want to learn the construction of a saddle and after several years of belts, billfolds and purses, I felt that I was too restricted.

I looked around for something that I felt I could pursue without the results being considered totally ridiculous. Drawing was (and is) not my forte. Flat art was too intimidating. Ceramics and pottery, though interesting, would have been difficult to do in the parks where I was a Ranger.

I don't remember what turned me on to woodcarving. But, I suspect there is something primal about wood and humans. Most folks like the look of wood and have some in their homes that has a clear finish which shows the texture and grain.

I enjoy seeing the raw piece turn into something satisfactory, if not really artistic. Suffering under the delusion that I could get into woodcarving cheaply (basically with a pocket knife and a limb), I got started. Not much time passed before I deducted that my pocket knife was not the ideal tool. This was quickly followed by the realization that limbs are hard to turn into any thing recognizable. Both of which led to the understanding that this was not going to be cheap. But, I was hooked. So many possibilities: animals, birds, caricatures, full and half figures, relief, stylized and always the enjoyment and fascination of the wood itself. I know that when I finish my final carving, I will still be exploring the endless possibilities of this art form and will still be hoping to improve my skills.

So why do I carve? Pleasure is the answer. I think we carvers fall into the group of people who feel a need to create. We like the look and feel of wood. The act of creating (woodcarving) in a medium we can enjoy (wood) gives us pleasure, as well as does the result of our effort (the carving).

[mwilleson]

Interesting topic Paul.

As a kid it seemed I always wanted to tinker with something. When many kids were hanging out at the Ben Franklin five and dime stores, I preferred to wander the isles of the hardware store.

Starting about the age of 8 I was always building something with wood...birdhouses and toys mostly, although when I was a bit older I tried a catapault and a cross bow.

I wandered into a carving show at a mall one time and soon after bought a small duck profile and a knife. I worked on it all afternoon until it was done.

For me it's the feeling of the wood in your hand and watching the tool slice through the wood. I love wood and tools so it's a great combination. It's also very peaceful and soothing to quietly work on a piece.

I haven't thought about the "why" very much....I think I'll contemplate that later tonight when I'm working on my current carving.

Mike

[Bartster]

I started carving when i used to work shift work and got tired of the soaps and talk shows. i soon found out when im carving i am in my own little world and forget all about the problems in the world and can relax. carving has turned out to be a great hobby for me, i have some fine people thru carving whom i am proud to say they are some of the closest freinds i have today. thank GOD for woodcarving.

[wade clark]

Originally Posted by wood-whittler

i soon found out when im carving i am in my own little world and forget all about the problems in the world and can relax. carving has turned out to be a great hobby for me, i have some fine people thru carving whom i am proud to say they are some of the closest freinds i have today. thank GOD for woodcarving.

Amen!
Wade

[Just Carving]

I've always had an interest in woodworking, but I am limited to what I can do in the winter. I don't have a basement, garage or shop. I became interested in carving after seeing an article on sign carving in WCI's first issue. I have an interest in lettering and drawing, and woodworking with hand tools. So, I thought I'd combine the three by carving letters in wood. But I really didn't get around to actually carving until December of last year. I needed something to get rid of my stress--my Dad was pretty sick at the time. I also wanted to get some of that creativity time back that I lost when switching from hand drafting to computer-aided drafting. So, now, I dabble in making carving tools, and am trying out the different aspects of carving. I hope to narrow my interest down to one or two areas so I can concentrate on improving my skills. Right now, my goal is carving statues of saints but I'm still working on my skills and tools to get to that point.

[Colin-Partridge]

Great question and one that made me contemplate why do I carve. I think mostly because I always have the need to create something. It has always been the way with me as I boy I always painted and later in life I pursued it again doing wildlife oils and later acrylics. Then I did Taxidery for about 10 years and then found wood carving about seven years ago. I agree with others here it is my time to be with my own thoughts and yes the feel of the knife slicing thru the wood is very relaxing. I used to be a distance runner and that used to be my time to relax but since my hip replacements running is now out of the question although I miss it very much. I think with some of us (at least with me) money is a motivator but not the only one. It is nice to make money at something you love to do. Also my love for tools and it is a chance to buy all of these tools. I have discovered thru the years that quality tools are the only way to go. Most of all I love to carve and I never give it much thought as to why I do it. Really interesting question though made me think.
Colin

[BobD]

Good question Paul!

My first thought is because I work with it every day; then I realize the reason that I don't finish many projects is because I know how they are supposed to turn out--and I get frustrated when I realize that mine won't turn out like that! Maybe that's why I've been doing more scroll saw work lately--if you can follow the pattern, your project will turn out right.

But looking deeper, I realize that the tactile sensation of carving is very comforting. As long as I can remember, I carried a pocket knife and sharpened sticks. My father has been a woodworker for as long as I can remember, and I spent a lot of time out in the shop with him. but my lack of patience prevented me from finishing most of my projects.

Woodcarving for me was an extension of that...

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Carve? We supposed to Carve? I thought this was a tool collecting site! Wink

[Kenny_S]

Amen Dave. Visted a carving shop in Silver Dollar City at Branson Mo in 88 and thought I could carve. I am still thinking I could carve. Of course, I had a background in wood from High school and had always enjoyed wood working, scroll sawing etc, so, Carving was next. Been Carving off and on since 88 but mosttly off till 2003 when I retired at 56. Needed something to fill the voild and to take me away from it all. Plus it beats listening to the little bride for sure.

Now she says I can't hear her for the sawdust in my ears. If only she really knew. Just Monkey ing around.

[Richard_FL]

Something draws me to carving and I will probably spend the rest of my life wondering why without ever completly answering it. But to put it simply I carve because something in me tells me I must.