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.
