Q: What started you carving and when did you start?
I always wanted to carve, but did not know anyone that did, nor anyway
to get started. Then in 1998, some fifty years later, I clipped a "coupon"
off a poster at Woodworkers Warehouse, advertising a carving seminar by
the South Jersey Woodcarvers in Hammonton, N.J.
Mark Daly, Joe Gattuso, and other carvers demonstrated to us finger-
stabbing novices, how to carve a decoy-like shorebird (mine is still on
top of my TV). Since the cost of the seminar included a one year membership,
I attended the meetings. I was blown away by the "Show and Tell"
portion of the meetings, and daydreamed of a time when I could show my
carvings.
In the meantime, I attended all of Pat De Angelis' woodcarving courses
in the night school programs at the local high school. Also, the Club
sponsored seminars by distinguished carvers from around the country.
Q: What other interests do you have?
My wife and I have four daughters, four grandchildren, and are being
permitted to share the home of Sammy, the cat, and, snuggles the dog.
Hobbies include carving, reading, movies and crossword puzzles.
Favorite food is lobster, while my favorite drink is coffee milkshake.
Q: What do you think of the carving community?
I think Woodcarvers are a splendid, diverse, group. They love to help
each other as well as those new to carving. Getting together is always
fun.
Give a Tip or a Quote you could live with or pass on to someone who
needs encouragement.
For Beginners: Do not try so hard to get it perfect the first time,
as failure can lead to discouragement. Carving is a "learn by doing"
experience. Each carving will teach you something you need to know (usually
afterward, not before!). Small, sure steps will get you running while
keeping you in the learning curve.
|