Smoky Mountain Carver

[againstthegrain]

Originally Posted by cedarshavings

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?

Hmmm....I DO miss the ocean, but not the constant threat of hurricanes. I love stepping out on my front porch every morning and seeing the mountains. I would have to say that I prefer the mountains. The mountains always stay the same. The ocean is like a woman...tempermental. Some days she is calm and serene, some days she is angry, turbulant and volatile. My activities sure have changed since moving here. I used to windsurf. Now I hike and bike.

My influence when I was in junior high school was my Art teacher. They taught carving in class and I took to it like a duck to water. I do have some artistic ability and wood was a wonderful and new medium to me back then.

Unfortunately, my father was not very appreciative of my gift and discouraged me from pursuing anything art related. In fact, when I got to high school, he insisted that my curriculum be totally academic. Art was "a waste of time" and wouldn't get me into the best college. I could never make a living at art, according to my father. He didn't subscribe to the belief that children should be well-rounded and happy in life. I was an only child with a lot of pressure to succeed hanging over my head.

I became interested again when I visited Nawger Nob, a woodcarver's paradise right in Townsend, TN. I bought some gouges, a few blocks of wood, a knife, a strope, and a book and got to work. I completed my first project last month and now I am working on a spoon with oak leaves and an acorn.

[Mottles]

Hello and welcome, you must have known you'd pick up your tools again. You live in beautiful country and should find lots of inspiration for your returning to woodcarving.
Kathy

[againstthegrain]

I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me here. It's been a very informative site.

Originally Posted by WoodcarverDave

Have you checked out Smokey Mtn Woodcarvers in Townsend? They have lots of great carving supplies and are in the Smokeys.

I am there almost every weekend! Mac, Keith, and Hezzie are so good to me. They give me pointers, advice, let me use the tools in the shop. I tried out their wood burner and that is next on my wish list. They are just some good, friendly, helpful folks.

I am planning on taking Keith's class on carving "Eggimals" in November. He carves them out of Basswood eggs. Check out the picture. Doesn't he do amazing work?

[cedarshavings]

I know exactly where Nawger Nob is. I stop by every time I make a trip to the Smokey's. I'll be taking a class there in the fall. I envy anyone who lives in the Smokey Mountains.

[againstthegrain]

Originally Posted by cedarshavings

I know exactly where Nawger Nob is. I stop by every time I make a trip to the Smokey's. I'll be taking a class there in the fall. I envy anyone who lives in the Smokey Mountains.

I know you will enjoy your class. Which one are you taking?

[cedarshavings]

I'll be taking Pete LeClair's class on caricature carving.
I've never taken an actual class yet so I'm sure I'll have a lot to learn.
I'm just looking forward to getting to the Mountains for a few days.

[againstthegrain]

I know what you mean. I drive to the mountains just about every weekend...just to get away. Last weekend I rode the 11 mile loop in Cade's Cove--on my bike. Saw a bear about 30 yards from the road. Made me pedal faster!

I know you will learn a lot in your class. Make sure you post a picture of what you carve. I can't wait to see it! Is that the Oct 3-5 class?