[Lindy]

I was reading an old thread started by Colin about carvers being artists and it got me to thinking, (which is dangerous in and of itself), what keeps us carving or woodburning after we've filled our walls and shelves and given them as gifts to everyone we know?

For me it's the ability to let my brain rest from the day and fall into the creation of the project whether it's a woodburning or carving. I find it soothing even when I'm frustrated. I also find that if I'm doing a commission piece my pride can sometimes get in the way of the joy of just doing it and I find I'm seldom as pleased with the completed piece than I am with one I did just cause.

What about the rest of you?

Linda

[squbrigg]

I remember that thread and the question is still valid and very thought provoking.

I have always had the urge to create things, from sketches as a boy to plastic models as a teenager, to wooden ship models as a young man. I wasn't until I began carving in ernest that I came to realize that I had a talent or ability that not everyone possessed, and that that talent could bring me such satisfaction.

My inspiration is and always has been, ships and the sea. As my skills develop, I find myself enjoying far more mediums to express that joy in. I have been able to expand my "tool box" of skills so that I can express my passion in ways I never dreamed possible before. That in itself brings great satisfaction, and I find myself constantly thinking of ways to incorporate new developed skills into my passion and inspiration. Combining the older knowledge with the new found or new developed skills is exciting to me and my mind is constantly flooded with ideas of how to marry the tow together!!!

The other inspiration is my granddaughter! Her joy and excitement and interest pushes me on to try anything, to push my limits, jump out of my comfort zone and aim to please her!!! Her interest in Grandpie's carving makes me want to open the whole world of art to her, expose her to as much as possible, so that she will enjoy a love for the medium of her choice in due time, and she will find the satisfaction that I have found through expression in art.

Bob.

[Ashbys]

Mine is simple,

Getting up in the morning .

[Just Carving]

I have always loved working with wood especially now that I am carving and just need a few hand tools to create something. I love nature--animals, insects, plants. I love making people smile. So, my goal is to carve my version of nature's creatures that will make people smile.

My biggest fan is my Dad. He's 86 and struggles with age related ailments. My sister-in-law is a stroke victim and working hard at therapy. She loves arts and crafts--she had a small business creating artificial flower arrangements. People have troubles and deal with them the best they can.

So, my inspiration is to bring them a little happiness and make them smile.

And I must confess, their smiles are contagious.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Like Ashbys said, when I wake up each morning my back aches, my shoulders ache, my feet ache, my knees ache, my elbows ache and my wife turns her back on me! Each day I get older and I know that my time is running out. I think all us have the urge to create, God help those who don't. So, I get up, fix my coffee, check the Forum, brush my teeth and then go down the hill to my shop where all those aches go away and if, God forbid, I get called up I can't think of a better place to go from. And maybe, if I'm real quick, I can grab Old Reliable and a piece of wood before I start my long trek down that tunnel toward the light.

[Ron Davidson]

To me carving is relaxing and fills the void I feel everyday. It's hard to fill the day and feel productive. When I was working I felt productive and since loosing my eyesight I had to do something or become insane from boredom. Have you ever tried to sit in the dark even for a day and feel like you are not accomplishing anything. Well carving helps fill that void. I feel like I still have a purpose. I might also mention that most of my inspirition comes from most of the people on this forum. It's hard to keep inspired when you have never seen one of your carvings. Without your support it would be difficult.
Ron

[Kenny_S]

My inspiration is God. To him goes the glory.

[mark yundt]

Initially seeing what some carvers had done at a wildfowl show for Ducks Unlimited. I wanted to try it and see what I could do.Then after I had some proficiency, seeing if I could win some ribbons. After I won some ribbons and people expressed interest it was then sales.After part time sales it was turning it into a full time business to provide for my family.All those things were fine and dandy but not an end in themselves for me.What I find now is the potential that exists.Most any piece of wood can be anything you wish.A statue,moulding,bird,fish,,,whatever.Taking that piece and turning it into whatever idea that's in my mind and watching it happen.The more I carve the less and less I'm involved with the process.It's now another function my body performs,,like breathing,,it's an extension of myself ,I don't consider the carvings a separate act,,just another part of who I am.That's why I love questions about what I did,or am doing.It causes me to stop and reflect on what happened,,then try to explain it so it makes sense and hopefully someone else can experience it as well.It needs to be explained in a methodical,mechanical way,,but once that's trancended it becomes magical.Like riding a bike,,at first it takes practice and thought,,then you no longer think about it and just enjoy the ride for the rides sake and know you can go as far,fast,slow as you want and still know there is really no limit to how far you can push it,,it's only limit is what you put on it.All the other reasons I had initially were only limits in their own way.Now I'll carve whatever a customer wants ,,I don't care,I love it all,,,they're just letting me use their bike for a while..and pay me while I'm doing it,,and that makes them happy as well,,It's a win-win situation .

[Ashbys]

I think my inspiration for doing the things I am doing is being able to make people a bit happier.

A young man and his family in Ohio ... Clayton what amazing strength of spirit he has.

A friendly fellow and his wife that has an open heart ...Goody In Baltimore

A lovely lady in Md that teaches inspires and gives so freely ..Susan Irish

A young man that always has kind words and is very open ...Bob Duncan

A man that has become a friend that always gives a kind work to acheive ..Colin

A man who amazes me each and every day ..Ron Davidson

A man who has always showed how much he values helping others ..Don by the Lake

A man who has more talent and drive than I will ever see ...Mark

The many talents of Thor, Nancy , Mottles, Alice, Mitchell , Lynn , Make A, Garon , and so very many others , when I wake up , I look here and here within this place , I find a world of magic.

That should be enough for any man.

Ash

[Jim OH]

I used to restore Model A Fords and loved turning a rusted junkheap into a vehicle that was probably better than new. I finally gave up on that hobby due to physical and monetary limitations. I had carved a little and gave it another try. I found the quest for a quality end product in carving was just as enjoyable as restoring my cars. Carving, for me is a creative outlet for myself, and hopefully an enjoyable couple of moments for the folks viewing my work.
Jim OH