-
Subscription Information
-
List your event
-
A Sample of Upcoming events
-
Show Review Form
- Archives
Artist Profiles, Book Reviews, Excerpts from previous issues, Exhibitor submitted show reviews -
Resources and Information
Alternative Markets, Artists' Websites, Craft Business Topics, Craft Centers and Schools -
About Us
-
Advertising Information
We have seen Wayne and Carol at many craft shows and we are constantly amazed by the quality of his carvings and Carols painting ability. Wayne carves walking sticks, gnomes, Santas, animals, and many other quality, keepsake items. Our personal favorite are his Santa's.
How long have you been carving? Both Carol and I worked for the Federal Reserve in Washington D.C. We had not carved until we retired from that job, so we have only been carving for eight years. I do the carving and Carol does the painting. It is a team effort.
Tell us about the process of your work. The process starts after I design a pattern from something that I have seen visually. Once the pattern is made and I am satisfied with it I trace it out on a block of wood and then trace it out with a band saw. The detail carving takes much longer and that process is using chisels, gouges and knives. We try to carve so that most items don't require much sanding. Some sanding is done before the piece is painted: it depends on the piece. For example, if we are carving a female bust the face should be flattering so it would require sanding. A male bust should look more rough so we can leave the gouges as it adds character to the face.
Where can your work be seen? During the holiday season we show our work at a lot of different galleries and art associations throughout the state.
How are craft shows different now than when you began? We have been doing shows for about five years. There seem to be more of them and the quality seems to be declining. We do some really good shows but even in those its questionable whether everything has been handmade. We have cut back on the number of shows and because of this and also becauseof the gas prices.
How did you get interested in carving After I had some health problems I had to quit the high pressure job of an economist. I went for a hike on the Appalachian trail and I saw people carrying walking sticks that were carved. They were the first things that I learned to carve. The walking sticks branched out into everything else that I carve including Santa's, wild life and animals.
What is your favorite part of doing craft shows?It is fun seeing the kids who come to craft shows, seeing their eyes go wide when they look at the Santas and the animals. It is pretty rewarding. Do you offer classes in wood carving?I will be teaching at Brookfield Craft Center this fall. Right now I will only be teaching one class. The center may expand and offer more classes if the response is favorable.
Wayne and Carol Smith's work can be viewed at their website: www.thegrizzlywoodsmith.com