[Ron T]

Hello Linda,

I just joined today and I would like to pass on some thoughts that I learned from others.

First, if we aren't intimidated by the projects that we're about to pursue, we don't want to pursue them. It's the challenge that we're all after.

Second, if you can't draw it, you can't carve it. Of course, not literally, but it sure helps if you can see in your minds eye what you want your carving to look like.

[Larry A.]

I can't draw to save my soul; it's why I took up photography all those years ago when LP records and film somehow got us through.But not drawing won't stop me from carving. And even if I'm not a very good carver, my bunnies are recognizable as bunnies, and my turtles as turtles, which is a lot further than I'd ever get with pencil and paper. I think visualizing is more important than being able to draw. You have to know how the real world is going to translate on to film (or digital sensors) and paper ( or computer screens) as translated through the optical properties of a lens, and you have to be able to visualize what you can do with a knife and some wood. But heck! You'll never know until you try.

[Ron T]

Hi Larry,

You almost had me there when you said you can't draw but your photo skills are even better because you know how to "see". I'm finding that many great carvers have some kind of visual ability and regardless of what it is, it sure helps them see what wood doesn't belong on the finished carving.