I thought to myself, "That is something I would like to try." When I got home, I picked up a chainsaw and set out to carve a black bear. I was very disappointed and frustrated by the results. I needed a lot of practice! After many hours of watching other carvers techniques on "You Tube" and much more practice, I felt confident enough to try to sell my carvings. Talking with other carvers about our
craft has also encouraged and inspired me to try different carving techniques. I look back on my early pieces and am amazed at how much I have learned and how my style has changed. One of my favorite pieces I have carved was a memorial to a dear friend of mine. It was an eagle with the words to the chorus of "On Eagles' Wings" by Jan Michael Joncas. I was very honored to offer this magnificent piece as a tribute to a wonderful life. With a background in art and taxidermy, plus my love of the outdoors, most of my inspiration comes from nature. I am a native of Shenandoah County, Virginia and the splendor of our mountains and valley region offer me the opportunity to experience nature at its best. I do commissioned pieces, but would much rather be given free artistic reign when carving. Throughout the warmer months, I am usually holding carving demonstrations or tending vendor booths at craft shows, fairs, and farmer's markets throughout the Shenandoah Valley. I have constructed a pavilion in my backyard out of cedar logs so I can carve in all types of weather and have a 24' x 24' shop. I spend an average of 30 plus hours per week carving and finishing pieces. I have a full-time job in addition to carving and am looking to expand my carving business and be able to solely rely on my carving income. Generally, I use a Stihl MS 290 with an 18" bar for roughing out large carvings and a Stihl MS 180 chainsaw with a 12" carving bar and a dime tip with 1/4 pitch chain for detail work, an angle grinder with a flap disc sander for smoothing and detailing, and a dremel tool for very fine detail and sanding. I also use a propane torch to burn off any rough edges and add dimension when coloring. The majority of my pieces I color with spray paint and air brush using a variety of techniques or, if the customer or piece dictates, I leave the natural grain of the wood exposed. All of my pieces are finished with a marine spar varnish to protect them from the elements.
