Pine Tree Studios of New England

When my woodcarving mentor M. Paul Ward passed, the family asked my help in determining the disposition of many of the items in the shop.  Many of the items were donated to the New England Wood Carvers, but the reality is that in a workshop that was active for over 50 years there was an enormous quantity of "stuff" some of which landed in a dumpster as they prepared the house for sale. One of the items I rescued from the dumpster was an unfinished piece.  It was composed of pieces of white cedar and basswood.  As I turned it over in my hands I saw Paul's pencil marks and could immediately see what he had in mind. Over a weekend or two I completed the carving as Paul had intended and then carved Pine Tree Studios into the carving knife's handle.  I intend to use it as a sign. 2023 White Cedar and basswood.  Partially polychromed and finished with polyurethane.

Sign carved onto a wooden clamp in preparation for Dracut's Old Home Day 2023. The antique wooden clamp was rescued from being discarded when Master Carver M. Paul Ward's workshop closed subsequent to his passing.  2023. Beechwood, natural patina.

 In August of 2023 I was fortunate enough to visit the Parthenon in Nashville, TN.  On each corner of the roof and at one location inside the building there were heroic sized statues of griffons.  Based on the understanding of the original Parthenon at the time, the artists believed the griffons were on the corners of the room to protect the treasures held within.  Current understanding is that it is more likely that the original roof statues represented Nike extending a laurel wreath. This photo of one of the griffons was taken on a Monday: By Friday of the same week I had created my version of the design, executed the sculpture, painted and finished it. 2023.  Recycled black walnut, acrylic paint, and polyurethane finish.

 These woodcuts and the resulting t-shirt prints were featured in an exhibit in September of 2023.  With the exception of the musical piece which was carved in oak plywood, the woodcuts were carved into eastern white pine.