A Little Wild

Project Owner: Pete Zachry
Type of Wood: Basswood (Bleached)
Finish: Natural Watco
Dimensions: hight 300 mm, width 150 mm, depth 70 mm

Description:

"A Little Wild" was originally designed by Adena Huckins and was carved by me from basswood, then bleached, and with a Natural Watco finished with a process learned from Christopher White using leather and jewelers rouge to hand polish the surface. I am a technical writer and environmentalist who began woodcarving in 1995 following retirement. I work in wood and clay, with the clay being a design media and only a few pieces made permanent. I have studied with nearly twenty fellow wood sculptors including several who have won awards at the World Congress and other highly prestigious competitions. I have won many awards at woodcarving and art competitions at the regional level in the Southwest US. The piece illustrated has won first place in at least two judged events in the past year. I carve in basswood and butternut but prefer more dense woods such as Walnut, Maple, Cedar, Desert Ironwood, plus Boxwood and Holly(when I can find them). Subjects are mostly girls and women; however, I work with animals and ornamental pieces from time to time. My largest effort to date is a half scale carousel horse which will be a "work in progress" for some time to come. Other current projects include a 600 mm nude female figure and a 850 mm patriotic eagle holding a flag (carved in Butternut). I also have two female figures around 400 mm designed and ready for the bandsaw (one Butternut and one Walnut). I do not market my work; however, when someone admires my work sufficiently to offer a reasonable price, I welcome to opportunity and quickly take the cash. Woodcarving for me has three purposes: 1.) It is great entertainment and just simply fun to do. 2.) I have found the it is the greatest tension and stress relief I have found to date. 3.) Woodcarvers are great people and I enjoy gatherings where woodcarvers of like mind meet on a regular basis. Carving can be an excellent social event when friends meet to compare notes and projects, plus acquiring help when needed. I have carved virtually all styles but have now settled on four. Realistic human figures, stylized figures, relief, and miniature occupy most of my time with an occasional ornamental piece (such as my eagle). I normally have one project which I call my "shirt pocket projects." These are normally no bigger than 35 mm and can be carried in the pocket with one or two small tools and carved anywhere. In public, I find that it results in many people being curious enough to stop and visit for a few minutes and it offers the opportunity to promote the art and advertise the local shows and events. I am a member of several local carving and art groups that sponsor shows, judged competitions, classes, and other events. I teach threes times each week for youth and seniors.