[againstthegrain]

Just wanted to say hello! I am a past carver returing to the art of wood carving. I started carving many years ago, put it down for 30 years, but have picked up my gouges and my knife, dusted them off, and renewed my interest in carving. After all, old carvers never die...they just whittle away.

I am in the Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee side. I moved here 2 years ago after living near the ocean for 23 years. I love this new chapter in my life and I am embracing it.

I find carving very relaxing after my stressful day, and I look forward to those 30 minutes that I spend in the evening when I carve. I wish I had never stopped carving all those years ago. Think how good I would be by now!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Howdy and welcome!

[Mark N. Akers]

Welcome to the site,hope you enjoy it here.

[alpryor]

I also just returned to carving a short while back after an on and off carving time over 30 years. I enjoy it greatly. My wife is picking up wood burning and love it also. I don't see how you can only do 1/2 hour sessions though. When I get started I find it hard to stop even after many hours.
welcome back to the art.

[againstthegrain]

Well, I have some carpal tunnel issues, which often limits how long I can carve at one shot. Hard to carve when you can't feel the tool in your hand. I also have found that when I carve for short periods, my projects seem to turn out better and it makes me practice patience...something I am lacking.

On weekends, when I am not hiking, biking, or tubing with my family, I will carve for longer periods--if my hands will work for me.

[cedarshavings]

I'm also in TN, just outside of Nashville. I love the Smokey Mountains. Just the other day I was asked if I would rather live in the Mountains or by the Ocean. What do you think now that you've done both? I said there was not question about it with me I would pick the Mountains.

I noticed in your profile that you are 42. If you quit carving for 30 years that means you really started at a really young age. Who was your influence back then?

[Bartster]

hello and welcome to the board hope you enjoy it here there are some great carvers around your area and some good shows up there also.


bart

[Blake Lunsford]

Welcome!! I'm right down the road from you in Bristol, TN and will be visiting your neck of the woods this coming up week. Glad you've come aboard and looking forward to your work!

Blake

[WoodcarverDave]

Welcome to the site. I am in Johnson City, TN (just a little north of you). There are a lot of great carvers in this neck of the woods. Have you checked out Smokey Mtn Woodcarvers in Townsend? They have lots of great carving supplies and are in the Smokeys.

[alpryor]

I understand. You are limited by physical ailments. I am beginning to feel old Author creep up in my left hand. Hope he goes slow or better yet stops now, IJN