by Joshua Heston
Few things are emotionally warmer, or more connected to the elemental parts of our past, than the act of carving beautiful art from wood. From exquisitely carved mantels to “hillbilly” caricatures, wood carvings seem to evoke the spirit of these hills.
Human realistic style begins as a full-bark log that is then chainsawed down to a rough cut, then carved with great detail.
Relief style, so-called as the medium is carved on the front only, is a form that allows for extraordinary detail. The piece above, by master carver Harley Schmitgen, is of a mountain man. Landscape pieces utilize relief carving methods as well.
There is something about caricature carving that seems truly unique to the Ozarks. As Shirley Garner of Valley Road Woodcarvers Shop notes, “Our caricature classes fill up faster than the others. I think it’s because you can be versatile and because the artists can put something of themselves into the work if they want to. It’s very popular in the Ozarks.”
Bark carving traditionally uses cottonwood. Interestingly enough, the trees are not cut down. Rather, the thick bark is gathered and then carved. Popular designs range from mysterious spirit faces to whimsical “bark houses.” The results may be as plain or as elegant as the carver wishes.
Wood burning is a beautiful art tradition closely dovetailed with woodcarving. The style indicated above, created by guest carver Barbara Smith, is regularly taught by Paula Bebout In addition to the wood burning itself, washes and finishes are often applied to the piece.
The dominant form of chip carving is referred to as peasant style. Originally done by European peasants, the artform uses a single paring knife to create exquisitely intricate patterns in a variety of woods.
Realistic animal carving depends on power tools. The results are astounding. The work above is created by master carver, Jim Willis of Kansas City.
Many thanks to the Valley Road Woodcarvers Shop, Shirley Garner and Pam Gresham. Their assistance in developing this section of State of the Ozarks has been invaluable.
April 18, 2008