[WOODSPIRIT]

I just wanted to say hello. I have been carving for about 12 years. I decided to teach myself how to carve after I went to a local sign carver in Maine to volunteer to do work for some time being taught how to carve and given a cold shoulder. Maybe I shouldn't have painted and sold some signs before I went to talk to him?
While in my garage attempting to carve one day and old timer stopped by and asked why I hated that piece of wood so much. Come to find out his grandfather was one of the last "shipyard carvers" and the old timer was willing to teach me some things that was past down. I don't know, but I think he just wanted me to sharpen his tools. It seemed like thats all I did for a while! (I quickly learned why).
Since then, I moved around quite a bit while I was in the coast guard, Finally moved to the North west (in a rain forest) 12-14 FEET of rain a year, and all the free wood you want. Last year I retired from the service and started my own painting business/contractor (one man band operation). I have sold a few pieces here at the local art gallery and eventually would like to try to carve and make enough money to support the habit and a few loaves of bread.
I mostly carve with hand tools and am trying to control some noisy beast claiming to be a power carver. Owned it for 6 years and only maybe really used it 5 times. I own a book on power carving, maybe I'll read it! I am lucky enough to have a Native american friend that has taught me some stuff and he is always willing to have me come by the tribal carving shop.
Finally, one great thing about living where I do is the wood! chunks 5 ft x 3ft x 2ft, 25 lines per inch "old or second growth" fir, spruce, helmlock, and both cedars yellow and red, tons of drift wood, knots, and as much alder and willow as I want for walking sticks. Now just to find the time to carve without starving.
I hope that I am able to give just as much help as I'm sure I will be getting from all of you. Thanks in advance!
Peace, Love and Happiness to all!

[Anthony Filetti]

Welcome aboard, I'm sure you have a lot to share!

[Colin_Partridge]

Welcome Dan sound like you have all the wood you can shake a stick at no pun intended. Nice to have all that free wood at your disposal. We look forward to seeing some of your work posted on this forum also some of your ideas. Thats the nice thing about this forum is that we all learn from each other.
Colin

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Not only in a place with lots of wood, but lots of carving shoes(edit-shoes? lol.shows! ha ha)....I am envious! but not enough to leave sunny Arizona

[Clifford_Parker]

Hi Dan and welcome to the group.

[WOODSPIRIT]

Thanks for the welcome everyone. I hope to be of some help. And look forward to being part of the group.
p.s. Had to edit my intro I made a mistake about the 12-14 inches of rain it was suppose to be FEET! We have our annual rain fest and are very proud of our "rain". Geez I hope the Locals don't read this I'll be banished!

[Chahlie]

Hi All,

Just wanted to say welcome Dan...I'm from Portland, a bit south of you but still in the Great Northwest. Who knows, maybe we will run into each other someday in the future.

Chahlie