Here's My Woodcarving!
by Fred Warshofsky
Gainesville, GA
Click on any picture to see a larger version.
In 2003, I opted for a new career as a full time woodturner and carver. In many ways
the two careers are not, as they may seem to be, mutually exclusive. I have always been
fascinated by ideas and images, essential elements for writing and directing, and as I
have discovered, for woodturning and carving. As a woodturner I try to combine images with
the forms I create on the lathe and then turn them into the finished piece. Thus, a dark
spot might become an eye, the swirl of grain, or the sweep of a wing, all brought out and
enhanced by the carving. I exhibit and sell my work at Arts and Crafts shows in the
Atlanta area. I also do work on commission. In 2009 I was awarded First Place in Wood
Carving at the Georgia National Fair.
Most of my subjects are wildlife. Birds, fish, butterflies, horses, bears, frogs, and
turtles are among my favorite subjects. Virtually all of my pieces start out on the
lathe. Bowls and vases are then carved after being turned. Sculptural pieces are turned
as circular forms a few inches thick, then removed from the lathe and possibly roughed out
on a band saw and then hand carved.
Below are a couple of my pieces, including several of my hummingbird pieces. The
sculpture is a somewhat stylized hummingbird made of ambrosia maple, approximately 14" in
diameter. The bowl is magnolia, 12"x6". For me, hummingbirds are among the most
fascinating of God's creations. What I try to capture is the essence of their seemingly
constant movement, and their incredible ability to hover as they delicately sip nectar
from flowers.
You can email Fred at
fredwars14@gmail.com
. You can also visit his website at
www.bowlarts.com
Would you like to see your carvings in this column? We invite you to
SEND US PHOTOS
of your
favorite woodcarving projects along with captions and a brief history of your woodcarving. (Email
photos at 800x600 resolution.) Receive a $50 store gift card if we show your carving work in a
future issue!
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