Woodcarving is not only a hobby of my dads, it is his passion. However, with his age and his declining health, his hands are shaky, and he is no longer able to hold the tools needed to create his masterpieces. Believe me it really depresses him. Carving wood was his stress relief, and the one thing that he had that made him feel accomplished in life.
He was really good at his art, member of woodcarving clubs, and even had an entries in national competitions.
This cardinal was one of his first. We have lots of cardinals up here at the estate, and because of that I have always liked it.
As he got better with his craft, he carved this "Red Tail Hawk" Senior has always admired the detail. One of dads club members helped him with the eyes, they were made to seem as if they follow you around the room.
Dad named him "Billy Bad Ass Hawk" I think we will just call him "Billy". Now he sits on an end table in our living room..
ND wanted a Hammerhead because he liked them,and thought they were cool.
And our oldest NW always loved Great Whites. He requested one , that had battle scars and holding a dead seal in its mouth. Dad did his best to make his oldest grandson happy:
Dad has now passed on his hand tools off to the boys. He has promised to come for a visit and sit with them both teaching the art to his grandsons. There are other sculptures in dads little office, he is slowly passing them off. I have asked why ? And he really won't give me an answer, but I think deep down he just wants to know they will go to a good home, and be appreciated.
I told him to see if my siblings want them, but if not, I would gladly take them we admire the hard work and detail that he put in to them. And they are something of my dads as well....and long after he is gone, they will still be here as his lasting mark on the world.
the detail is amazing...jambaloney wishes he could have met your dad and learned his skill. keep all of those precious works of art...or maybe mails one to your friends in canada who would tell you dad's story to anyone that would listen...teehee.
ReplyDeleteme and jambaloney are amazed at the detail. please tell your dad the 2 sunburned, sunstroked naked canadians are in awe. we would treasure everyone of his pieces!
sending much love to you and yours always, Gurlie! your friend,
kymber
once dad carved his own "dulcimer" its a musical instrument. After he got down carving birds and the occasional fish, he then moved on to faces...he had chosen the Russian Santa Claus...i don't know what became of it, but that is like the last thing I remember him working on.
DeleteBeautiful detail. Hope at least one of your boys take him up on lessons in this fine art.
ReplyDeleteI think NW is for sure...he has been trying to carve a "tv remote control"..lol
DeleteThat's really kewl. I know how your dad feels though.I sculpted wargames miniatures for years. Even did an entire line of American Rev War 15mm ones for a company over a decade ago. Then the dreaded eye site loss started coming on and I got nearsighted. I could still sculpt with glasses or a glass but it just didn't feel right anymore so I had to give it up.
ReplyDeleteI still kinda miss it.
getting old sucks. My dad really misses his craft, and going to his woodcarving club. He tried a few weeks ago working on something and it was just too much. I think that was the final straw...
DeleteHe did excellent work, and yes DO hang onto them. They are that link that will bind the family for generations.
ReplyDeleteI agree...
DeleteMy brother T carves and paints trout. They look so real you could swear they were fresh out of the water. People who have those skills are rare, and their work will live on long after they can't continue it.
ReplyDeletewhile my dads specialty was birds...he carved a bass that was in a jumping pose with a lure in its mouth...so cool.
DeleteJUGM,
ReplyDeleteYour Dad is a talented man!!! His work is beautiful and detailed. I can understand totally why you would want to keep his work in the family. Every time you look at his carved pieces you'll think of him. Give your Dad a hug from your Angel Friends.
Love and hugs to you, Senior, and your Boys.
Sandy
Thanks sweetie. If my other siblings and we know one who won't. But if they don't want any of dads other sculptures, I told Him i would gladly take them...
DeleteWhat a talent he has/had! I've always wanted to get in to wood carving, it's such a beautiful and traditional art, I guess I'd better find the time before it's too late!
ReplyDelete