Woodcarving Congress

[Mark Gargac]

What a fantastic show in Davenport IA. Gerald Copeland took best of show with this outstanding piece of work titled" Setting the Edge. I talked with Gerald a bit and asked him where he came up with the idea for this carving, and he told me this is a carving of his Grandfather, the way he remembers him the most. Gerald also took first runner -up to best of show with this beautiful piece called" Moses -Man of God. This next carving I really liked and is in cottonwood bark, titled "Toboggan Man". Last two pix. This carving by David B. Johnson Titled " Enigma-Mistress of Disguise" ( my favorite in the show) took peoples choice and judges choice awards.

[Bill]

Mark
Really outstanding pieces!
How did the show go for you?
I am planning on going next year, will talk
to you at the next show, in Co.
Bill

[DiamondWillow]

Thanks for the pictures of the Congress and some information. I had planned on being there but ended up in the hospital instead. Not a fair turn around I would say. Being from Minnesota it is a nice little jog down there and always fun to visit and see the carvings. Shooting for the next years show.

But, hoping to run out you guys way in October to see Chris White for a class at Loveland, Co. Any of you people close to there? Guess I could look on the map, but I am lazy. )

Happy 4th

Gene

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Glad to see you back on Gene...I assume you are feeling better!

[Bill]

Gene
I'm about 125 mi SE from Loveland,
I do get up there from time to time, next
will be for the Sculpters in the Park at
Loveland.
Great place to see some really great carvings and Sculptures.
Bill

[Mark Gargac]

Other highlights of the show was the judges critique seasons,these were the show judge's Desiree Hajny, Neil Cox and Wayne Barton that started Sat. from 1:00 to 3:00 and Sun. 12:30 to 2:30. These sessions were very interesting as they displayed slides of carvings that were entered into the show on a large screen and critiqued them for anyone interested in attending, I did'nt miss a minute. Also the awards banquet was another highlight of the show , great food was catered in , cash bar and lots of great prizes and cash awards were giveen away. Bill you would do great at this show with your work. I placed first in unusual woods and best of group in that classification with a cottonwood bark Indian and first and The Merle Byram Memorial Award for a Santa that I entered Titled...And to all a Goodnite. I also recieved some nice prizes ( foredom kit a couple of knifes, two blocks of bass, three skew gouges, a commemorative knife with the Congress's logo and four cans of Deft ,and also cash awards. For those of you who want to take in an excellent carving venue you dont want to miss the show in Davenport IA. I'm already planing on next year.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Excellent work. Especially Copelands. However, I have a question about the "Mistress" piece. While it's a beautiful carving my question is "What is this carver trying to tell us?" I would assume that by her removing her mask she is showing us her true self? Why the completely white face? Why is she dressed in a Teddy nightgown? Especially one that is much too small by the looks of the breast area.

The story behind Gerald Copeland's piece is easy to see even without knowing anything about it's background. I would really like to hear the tale of this Mistress. As the word "Enigma" is in the title, maybe the artist doesn't even know!

Did Desiree, Neil, or Wayne shed any light on this question?

[Bill]

Mark
Congratulations!!
Good job. I'm sorry we missed this year
just, too much going on. I will do a better job of sked for next year.
Hope to see you before Oct. If you get down to woodcraft I'm there every thur.
Bill

[Mark N. Akers]

Mark:
Great pictures and congratulations on doing so good,I've heard the show was very good.

[Clifford_Parker]

Originally Posted by Lynn O. Doughty

Excellent work. Especially Copelands. However, I have a question about the "Mistress" piece. While it's a beautiful carving my question is "What is this carver trying to tell us?" I would assume that by her removing her mask she is showing us her true self? Why the completely white face? Why is she dressed in a Teddy nightgown? Especially one that is much too small by the looks of the breast area.

Looks like you got the 'enigma' part.

Since the title is " Enigma-Mistress of Disguise" it is only fitting that beneath the mask is yet another. She IS showing us her true self as you suggested.

A beautiful carving by any name. I really need to get down there one of these years.