Bark carving in the round

[Bark-Boy]

A while back, I had Bob Duncan post some photos of a whimsical bark house carved in the round from Cottonwood bark. I want to thank those that responded so favorably. It's always nice to receive such positive comments on something new and different.

The project started out as a competition piece for the Prairie Canada Show in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to that show last Spring but I did enter the piece in the International Woodcarving Congress. It's not often that I do any competition pieces. It has been my thought lately to keep things simplified rather than create highly detailed compositions; part of that comes from my past experiences judging at various shows. It's my belief that you're better off keeping things simple and doing a clean, great job rather than attempting a larger, more detailed piece that becomes too complicated and isn't done well.

Carving bark in the round isn't really all that difficult. It just takes a little bit more patience along with some new techniques. I'm going to be teaching this style of carving for the first time this March at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. This is a perfect spot to demonstrate and instruct this particular procedure as it is a five day long class. I always get a little nervous teaching something new but then getting out of your comfort zone makes you a better carver. If any of you are attending the Silver Dollar City workshop, be sure to stop by and say hello as I'm always interested in meeting new people.

Rick Jensen a.k.a. Bark Boy

[Nancy-G]

Hi Rick I hope very much to have a chance to get down to Silver Dollar City for a bit this year.
The last time I saw you was Grand Forks --- hmmm --- 1987?
Nancy Goff

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Hi Rick.....I have your book, received it from Art Olver....another terrific bark carver.....good book!Cowboy

[artolver]

Hi Rick, I would sure like to go down there this spring.
I have wanted to swing down south and drive back thru Minn......
and ND and home. I would want to get to Wahpeton while the seminar
is goin on. Do you still teach there? I enjoyed teaching there, you guys and gals really know how to treat your company. Oh I am reminiscing.... I love
you, you Red River bunch. It is the best seminar I have been to.
Dave, Rick is very quick on the jokes as you are And this Barkboy is a very
good instructor.
art..............
did I say that right Rick?

[Lindy]

Hi Rick,

Bark is such an interesting and intriguing medium. I'm lucky to still have some of the bark I got while in BC (getting bark in high heels) and I have a couple of pieces big enough to do an in the round project. I'm thinking of a cougar's head or something similiar. I've done a cougar head and bear head in deep relief and that worked well. Any suggestions on what I should avoid or try once I start this piece?

Thanks
Lindy

[snickerbocker]

Hey Barkboy,
Are you going to teach at Congress next year? Hope to see ya again.
Vicki

[woodspiritslover]

Dear Rick/barkboy,

one of the first books I purchased was that beautiful piece of yours with the whimsical houses. My traget is to manage to carve one day any of those. Unfortunately being located in Central Europe no chance to ever attend any of your classes still I love this chance to thank you for such a wonderful book. Thanks

[MelNM]

Hi Rick
Loved your Article, also Like the Idea of glueing 2 peices of bark together. I have grown to really enjoy carving Cotton Wood Bark, thanks to you and Artolver, as well as some other carvers. Even my Avatar is a peice Cotton Wood bark.

Really enjoyed your book, the carving tutorials as well as the painting tips are great.
Thanks
Mel

[Bark-Boy]

Mel,
I'm glad that you enjoyed the article. It's always nice to hear positive things about something that you've done. I'm glad you found some inspiration in my article.

If there is anything that I can help you with in any way, don't hesitate to ask.

May your tools stay sharp and your bark cooperative.

Rick Jensen a.k.a. Bark Boy

[Donald K. Mertz]

Bark Boy, it certainly was good to be with you at the Dayton Artistry in Wood Show and to take your bark carving class at Dick Belcher's before the show. You are a class act and an excellent teacher. You make taking a carving class FUN as well as informative with good lesson learned. See you down the carving path one of these days.