Howdy from the new guy!

Munionman · #1 03-26-2007, 02:54 PM

I thought it was finally time to introduce myself to the group since I've been reading threads from y'all for a month or two. I'm relatively new to woodcarving having just really gotten started this past year. I've been a furniture maker and woodworker for many years, and always wanted to carve---just never had the right teacher or tools. I took a one day private lesson in carving Native American faces from Billy Reynolds in Townsend, TN, last October. Billy owns Mountain Creations Gallery and does some really beautiful work. Anyway, he lit the fire that has continued to burn within me and I see myself doing this for the rest of my days. I just love taking a rough piece of wood and turning it into art. I've posted my first painted Native American on the Gallery and would love your critiques.

Joe Duket

wood-whittler · #2 03-26-2007, 03:03 PM

joe,

hello and welcome to the board, those are some good folks over at smokey mountain woodcarvers.

bart

Tom H · #3 03-26-2007, 04:50 PM

Joe, Welcome to the board. Great way of introducing yourself - with a very good carving. Say you're been carving for about a year? I'd say that carved Indian is a great advertizement for your teacher as well as an example of your talent too. Tom H

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 03-26-2007, 05:06 PM

Your carving looks great to me! Welcome

Eddy Smiles · #5 03-26-2007, 08:52 PM

Greetings and Salutations! Ditto on Smokey Mountain Woodcarvers! Mac and Beth are the best!

squbrigg · #6 03-26-2007, 10:48 PM

If you're new to carving, then either you have a lot of natural ability or Bill is a great teacher, or both!

I think that the portrait of the Native American is gorgeous. Has lots of character and plenty of fine details. Keep up the good work and welcome aboard.

Bob

Munionman · #7 03-27-2007, 09:49 AM

Thanks for all your comments. Actually, my first attempt at an Indian face was pretty lousy! I've gone through several other faces, including some wood spirits, and find that each one gets a little better than the last. I've read that if you are happy with something you carved a year earlier, then you're not progressing. That's the way I am with most things I build. I'm always critiqueing them and sometimes don't know when to finally say "enough".

On another note, do you have a suggestion on how to go about getting any of my future carvings judged? Would I look for a local woodcarving show, or is there a way to submit without travelling to various shows?

Thanks.
Joe