[Sinter]

Hi,

I live in Northern Colorado and recently took up carving and sculpting again. I got my degree in art several years ago, mainly studying drawing and painting, but I also sculpted and did stained glass. Three dimensional art is actually my favorite, though my paintings tend to be more about color than form.

I studied some fairly abstract wood sculpture in the early '90s when I first was in college. I really didn't get that into it but I loved the wood, and always wished I could afford more tools (I hadn't figured out how to sharpen my tools back then, either, though most of that work was sanded so my bad toolwork didn't show).

A few months ago, my oldest daughter got a knife for her birthday and wanted to learn how to whittle, so I got her some books from the library and a block of basswood, and decided to give her a mini knife-safety course before I let her go with a bench knife and some carving gloves. In the process, I couldn't help but dig into it myself, and now I'm Fully Relapsed, and spending far too much time carving. I am actually working with a retired woodcarver/furniture maker from my area, trying to pick his brain and have him mentor me a bit. I'd like to get into some decorative (figural, mainly) carving and maybe some furniture work, in addition to carving holiday and religious figures.

I am a mortgage consultant by trade, but really can't stand that kind of work - I have to do something creative. I am looking to sell some St. Nicks at a local upscale rustic furnishings store, where my wife is also selling some of her handiwork. I make my own designs, and some are fairly elaborate - I may eventually seek to broaden my distribution base, but it's far too early to speculate on that at the moment.

I don't have any particular woodcarvers whom I try to emulate, as I've had my own designs (for different media) for a long time - I've been a Christmas nut since I can remember. In middle school and high school, I had my room decorated Christmas year round - it drove my family nuts.

My favorite wood to carve, so far, is Aspen - I love it - the color, texture, ease of carving and ability to hold detail. I have enough of it to last me for a couple of years, as well!

[squbrigg]

Welcome Sinter. Good to see you return to this medium, though you will be able to use your skills in the painting field here as well. Loads of Christmas carvers here, you will be in good company. Can't wait to see your work.

Bob

[Ashbys]

Hi Sinter and Welcome.

I look forward to seeing some of your work as well and welcome back to the third most additive thing in my live.

Ash

[Callynne]

Welcome Sinter! A Christmas nut, huh, that's how I describe myself....and a few others around here too! You fit in nicely!! Callynne

[Mottles]

Hi Sinter: Just wanted to say welcome I think you'll really like it here. Lot's of talented folks in these forums.
Kathy

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Welcome to WCI, you have enough aspen to last a couple of years? You have a whole state of aspen! LOL, moved to arizona a couple of years ago from clear creek county colorado....you have a great carving club in Denver at the grange hall on youngfield st. in West Denver...also a great carving show in Denver and Fort Collins....if it weren't for the weather....we would still be there!

[AlArchie]

Welcome, Sinter! Glad to see yet another aspen afficianado. Looking forward to seeing some of your work.

Al

[Sinter]

Weather??? It's WONDERFUL! When we get more moisture, that is. The past 8 years have been drought - when I was younger, things definitely were different here - definitely more snow in the winter back then. I was a winter baby, and winter and fall are still my favorite seasons. I don't care that much for summer, actually. I hate hot and dry...

Thank you for the welcomes, everyone.

EDIT****

I was typing this at the same time as your response, Al, so I didn't see it until after I posted. Aspen's great! I have a virtually unlimited local supply, as well, which costs me only time - dimensioned lumber and seasoned logs. I may go back to basswood for some larger figures, as it is easier to get larger blocks and logs in that wood, but I love the texture and carvability of aspen, for sure.

[decoycarve]

Welcome abaord.
I have been known to carve a few santas since I have been into carving. Some people say I even look like santa myself. I really don't know why! Maybe its the big belly and the gray beard.
If you paged thru the Holiday section of the board there was a thread called Christmas in July. I have one more roughout wrapped and ready to go. He's yours if you want him. Pm me with an address.

A christmas nut. Now ya got me thinking! Ive carved peach pits, Ive carved tauga nuts, Now i'm gonna have to try to carve Santa into a chestnut.
Please when you get a chance post some pics of your work. we have some really great Santa carvers on the board.

Goody

[Paul_Guraedy]

Welcome to the list. Just went to your profile and came across "Pencak Silat" in the interests section. Must admit that I have no idea what this is and am very curious.