TexasWoodcarving.com

This is a continuation of my "Why Do You Carve?" posts. If you have not read " Part 1: Relaxation " or " Part 2: Fellowship ", you can do that now. I'll wait. For many carvers there is a distinct thrill in creating something new from a piece of wood. This is especially true for those who begin with an image in their mind and follow that idea through to a completed original carving. Even those who follow a pattern created by someone else, experience the excitement of seeing a new creation, made by their own hands, emerge from the wood. One of my favorite parts of the process is developing and refining an idea through a series of sketches. I also enjoy seeing the piece develop as I go. Sometimes it takes turns that I did not anticipate, but in the end, it is something new and something good. Do you enjoy the creative process all through your work, or is it a special thrill when the work is completed? What is the most rewarding part of the creative

You may remember that I was carving a statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola . Well, that carving was the first in a series. I have already carved the first copy. Here is a picture of the second carving. This one has some minor variations from the original. What do you think? Do you prefer the first one or this one?

I would like to write a brief memorial post for wood carver and friend Paul Kern Baker who passed away May 15th 2010. Paul really enjoyed his time carving. I know that we enjoyed his enthusiasm, generosity, humor and joy of life. Paul was working energetically on a three foot tall statue of Thomas Jefferson. Paul was also a talented musician. Here he is entertaining our carving class by playing a guitar that was hand carved by Frank Byrd. We will miss him. We are all better for having enjoyed the friendship of Paul Kern Baker and I am thankful for a merciful and loving God. Eternal rest grant unto the faithfully departed.

Someone recently sent me some photos of a last supper that was carved by Ludwig Kieninger . The carving is 36 1/2" wide by 21" high. Framed, it is 44" wide & 28 1/2 " high. They let me know that this carving is currently for sale. If you are interested, please let me know and I will get you in touch with the current owner. As some of you know, I studied woodcarving under Ludwig Kieninger for many years. I always enjoy seeing photos of his work. It really brings back memories. If you happen to have any pictures of Ludwig's work, I would love to see them.

Fellow wood carver Doug Oliver was feature in an article in The Dallas Morning News on Saturday, May 15, 2010. Have a look and let Doug know what you think.

The lettering on the book is now burned and some sealer has been applied. On the left side of the book it says in Latin "Constitutiones Societatis Jesu" which in English would be "Constitutions of the Society of Jesus." On the right side is "Ad majorem Dei gloriam" which is the motto of the Society of Jesus (commonly called the Jesuits.) The motto is also in Latin and translates to "For the greater glory of God."

A lot of progress has been made on the St. Ignatius statue . I realized that I have only posted photos from the front so far. So, here are some pictures from different angles. Please let me know if you have any constructive criticism.