...and what your loved one likes the best?

Fred Zavadil · #1 04-05-2008, 01:12 PM

Hi everyone, this is Hana, Fred's wife.
As you all probably already know, I am the one who does the writing for Fred on this board, with him on my side telling me what to write or with a list of instructions. As much as he likes carving, he dislikes technology - the most probably the computer (mind you, he can turn it on and play Solitaire...)
So, this morning, after posting his answer to one of the threads, I thought that I "earned" the right to post one of my own questions.
All of you, carvers, know that you have your favourite carving but I decided to show MY favourite. No, I did not carve it, it is one of Fred's first pieces and it still remains on the top of my list. People who come to visit us the first time are usually overwhelmed by his other pieces we have at home but I never forget to make the point (to Fred's dislike) and show them.

When I told Fred that I was posting a picture of MY favourite carving, he was not very excited, but here I am. Do not laugh, it just shows that I am a practical woman (guess, a necessity in an artist's life). It is a Mahogany key hanger he carved about 15 -16 years ago and I just thought that it might be a good idea for a little project your spouse could like not only for its beauty but also for its purpose. I am "loosing" my keys much less then I used to.
The pictures are not the best, it is not as shiny as it looks, there is not much light at the door and I had to use flash; also, who ever said he was perfect in finishing?
Saying this, please show us what your loved one likes the best! And, please, ask them - it is not always the one you think they should admire.
Hana

Hugh P. · #2 04-05-2008, 02:49 PM

Hana, that is a beauty, imagine starting with that much talent, Im jealous, grin. Just kidding its a beauty. I go on your site once in awhile and look at Freds carvings. Absolutely amazing !! Thanks for posting the picture.

Merle Rice · #3 04-06-2008, 09:13 AM

Hi Hana, I can see why you like it so much, It's well done. Thanks for showing us. Merle

Keoma · #4 04-06-2008, 11:21 AM

I really love that! Just gorgeous! And convenient too! Thank you for posting! I will show you my husbands favorite, It was my very first and only relief carving. I gave it to him at Christmas yeeeeears ago. At first we just had it as a wall hanging. To small. Then it sat on his bedside table...to small and got dusty...so i put it in a box and there she sat for a couple years. I was doing some cleaning and found her...hmmm...as you can see, I found a perfect use. One you will appreciate I'm sure!

My talent is not obvious. Ha HA HA...it is quite flat, but as I look at the embarassing corners of the basswood frame, I still love it. He was so touched that I made him something. Heirlooms come from the most unlikely things...

torpidhummer · #5 04-06-2008, 12:28 PM

Hana and Keoma; Great memories of your touchfull talents and remember heirlooms come from the heart.
Semper Fi (always faithful)
Torpidhummer

Alice in Wonderland · #6 04-06-2008, 05:05 PM

Hi Hanna
I think this is a beautiful and useful piece and I can see why you prefer it, lol
I ask my husband which one he liked best and I hope I get it posted ,my P,C, talents are not great either. But I got it ,it is howling Wolf ,White Pine stained,he is about 18-18-6"
Alice

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Kenny_S · #7 04-06-2008, 09:03 PM

Nice pieces all. Keoma, May be a little flat as you say but very nice relief.

All I can say is my darling little bride's favorite is my billfold!!!!!!!

gene messer · #8 04-06-2008, 10:20 PM

Hi Hana ... how are you and Fred ? ...

Hana .. what a lovely piece by a great artist .... simple .. but elegant ..

Sometimes the simple are always the best ... But Fred need not worry .. Some of us would give alot to just be half the carver he is ..

Even back then you can see the artistry in your husbands work .. and for this to be your special piece is so flattering to his later years of masterpieces ..

The learning years are always the best .. but we sure have been enjoying Fred's later years work ... such beautiful work always has a beginning .. and that special piece shows just that ..

Great work Fred and Thank you for showing us Hana ..

Gene

Jim OH · #9 04-07-2008, 12:13 AM

Hi Hana,
Thanks for posting the key holder. As with Fred's other work, it is exceptional! I'll have to ask the family and see if I can discover a favorite. Thanks again for posting.
Jim OH

Fred Zavadil · #10 04-07-2008, 10:30 AM

Good Monday morning!
Thank you Keoma and Alice.
Keoma, I had a really good laugh when I saw your husband's favourite! And I know why he appreciates it. It is a wonderful carving and it would be a pity to keep it in the box - is he also, like me, making the point and showing your guests?
Alice, thanks for asking your husband - did he surprise you or did you know that this is the one he likes the most? It is really nice and I am sure you are proud of it.
Now to the guys; Hugh, Merle, Torpidhummer, Kenny, Jim, Gene and Jim - thanks for the compliments on Fred's work - but with a smile on my face - how come I do not see any of YOUR loved ones' favourites? It just reinforces what I see in Fred's face when I talk about mine, is this just a confirmation that you do not agree with their choices and rather do not show because you think that it is not worthy? I think that Keoma got it right when she took her forgotten carving out of that box - it may not be her favourite (why would it be in the box for so long?) but now reminds her husband every day of what she can do. To us, spouses, especially the ones who cannot carve, your work sometimes has a different meaning than to you and even though you think that the piece does not deserve any attention it is sometimes very much loved and appreciated by somebody else. So, do not let me down, do not be scared and show us!
LOL Hana