My first art show

I entered the local art show here at the library submitting two carvings.  I did not know what to expect or how it even worked. It was a great experience for sure.

The highlight of the day was having my daughter surprise me and she drove from Flint to come to the art show.  She really blessed me more than the show for sure. Have my daughter and wife with me was the greatest.

The Green Man in Cottonewood bark won an Honorable mention and the “Purchase Award”. The Bedford Arts Council, gives 2 of those out. They buy the piece and display it at the library forever I guess.  I took the check and ordered more cottonwood bark from BC, Canada.  It was fun and I was honored.  The fisherman was also entered and will be displayed with all the other art the next 3 weeks.

A happy guy

Finally finished this guy’s V-neck and put some Deft on Him. Who’s he remind you of?

Finished Native America Woodcarving with Fox head covering and feather

I added some more to this sculpture from my last post.  Added the feather, hat, and the breastplate.  The great thing about woodcarving is not just the end result. But the peace, joy, and creativity as one is carving.

Spent two nights in the studio for this

I had some time the last couple nights to get in the studio to do some carving.  I did the eyes differently than I usually do using Jeff Phare’s teaching in his “Carving Eyes” book. It think I prefer his way. I know I made them a little to wide and not exactly centered, but had fun just the same.

Enjoying myself, and the art of wood sculpting are more important the the finished product.  Not that I don’t want to improve, I do. But I also want to enjoy the peace this artistic expression brings me.

One Finished, one working on

Here is  An American Indian I started with Alec Lacasse, finishing it up.  Need some more of this amazing cottonwood bark. Using another one of his carvings (pic beside) to reference for the detail.

Working on this guy

I am working on this guy with a stocking cap, out of cottonwood bark from Canada. I am copying a similar carving from the one and only Alec Lacasse . I have to do the beard, which I am not confident in carving, but the only way to learn and get more confident is to do it. I just don’t want to screw it up, after taking so long to do the hat threads.  It’s been a busy few weeks so first time carving in awhile. Loved finishing this guy up tonight.

Woodcarving Spoiled for Christmas I am

This Christmas was great for the woodcarver. My wife, Wendy got me an amazing 5000 watt electric heater for the studio.  It so nice to  not heat with propane anymore. I also received an Eli-ball vice from Wendy’s folks, some knives, and a buffing and polishing ball (grant it , without shame I made these Christmas suggestions! 🙂  I also got n Ore woodcarving jacknife with a stag handle from Marty Eddinger, who got me into carving and is also a carver. It’s amazing

Spent some good time carving with Dean Mueller and started a Green Man, from Chris Pye’s book.  It’s tricky to me, but enjoying the vice and something different than the faces in bark I have been concentrating on.

I worked out this morning and watched some of my video’s by Ian Norbury.   These Master Carver’s just continue to impress me and motivate to keep enjoying woodcarving and to keep learning and growing at it.

My daughter Abby took some pics

My daughter Abby is a photographer and took some pics last month of my carving studio and me carving. She is very gifted in the arts and photography is one of her many talents. Her husband does video and they run Storylines Creative Co.  She is a beautiful young lady in every way. I love her spirit and heart and the fact she has dedicated her life to helping others.  Here are the pics. She took some good ones.

Nate Elarton

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