woodcarver?

[rickm]

people some times ask what you do and Im reluctant to say Im a woodcarver, not because Im embarrassed, but I dont know if Im a wood carver. I mean I dont turn out great works of art, and most often carver something three times to get it sorta right. Im not a artist, and make no bones at being one. I have always figured a woodcarver would be part artist, part technican and turn out reputable work. that hardly applies to me. So, should I say Im a woodcarver, someone who works with wood, or just not mention it? Is there criteria for a wood carver? I would call Pete Benson a carver, and Im hardly in his league. tanx just a thought.

[ajcoholic]

In my opinion, if you carve wood - then you are a wood-carver Seriously, if you are good enough or fortunate enough to do it for a living then call yourself a professional wood carver. Otherwise, if you do it, you are it! AT least thats my opinion.

You don't have to be the best at anything to be considered "one" - just participate/enjoy it.

AJC

[Irish]

Oh ... such a great thread ...

My Mom who is 87 has a close buddy that is a quilter; Mom is too! Her buddy has been quilting for 40+ years and therefore notes herself as a quilter. I agree.

But ... in her 40+ years she has only ever worked one quilt pattern, the Irish Chain. She proudly declares that she has only ever worked one pattern. She does maybe a dozen or more quilts a year, many of which go to the Linus project which gives handmade quilts to children that have long hospital stays.

So ... 40+ years X 12+ quilts per years - all done with just one pattern ... comes to, probably, nearly 500 Irish chains.

That is a crazy making thought.

Susan

(I think after about the 25 I would have been ready to try something just a little different to keep me from the horrors of boredom.)

[Eddy-Smiles]

If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and waddles like a duck...it must be a woodcarver....I mean a duck!!!!

[Magicman]

If you carve wood and you enjoy carving wood and you intend to keep on carving wood then you are a Woodcarver. The best woodcarver in the world "whoever he might be" still had to learn. Thats just my opinion.
Happy Woodcarving!!!
Larry

[fly fisher]

I carve anything that sits still enough....so what am I?

[Sharon of the Dell]

Yes you are a wood carver!

[Bruce Bird]

If you carve wood then you can say you are a woodcarver.It does not matter how good you are .If you keep doing it , you will get better.
Bruce

[squbrigg]

Being a wood carver isn't just about how good your work is, it is also about your state of mind. People carve for all sorts of reasons, one of the most frequently heard reason, is that "it relaxes me". I find peace and quiet and a release from pain when I carve. It seems to take me to a whole different place when I'm sliding a knife or gouge through a piece of butternut, I am focused on such a pleasant sensation, rather than the pain and worries of everyday life.

I often carve in public places, while the wife is shopping, or I'm waiting in a doctors office, and many folks will inquire, have a look and have a chat. It isn't what you are making that is often the topic, but the fact that you "are" making it that interests folks. You don't have to be the best carver in the world to be called a wood carver. Just the fact that you take the time to sit down and work wood, that you gain the skills, materials and tools to do so, and practice those skills to improve them, makes you a wood carver.

Bob

[ajcoholic]

Originally Posted by fly fisher

I carve anything that sits still enough....so what am I?

Well, that all depends upon what day you are posting Could be a multitude of things, for you we'll just say "carver"..

My father (who was also a woodworker by trade as am I) told me over and over again - no matter how good you get, there is always something to learn and never forget that.

There are some utterly amazing carvers here, whose work I have seen since I joined up. But even they, I am sure, are not satisfied with where they are, but want to keep learning.

AJC