"I start each carving with a collection of bird photos and sketches to develop my design. Starting with a square block of wood (usually tupelo, but sometimes basswood), I pencil-sketches the outline of the bird; cuts out the general shape with a band saw; then using a knife, or power grinder, brings out the bird’s contour and features."
Growing up in Brooklyn, not coming from a wealthy family. I developed the skill of taking apart and fixing what ever. But it was in high school that I got my first taste of wood, it was in wood shop I carved a candy bowl (which I still have today). Fast forward 5 years, my wife and I were in Cape May, New Jersey at the beach when I got bored and walk to town. There in a school was the first time I laid eyes on carved bird. It was love at first sight, I quickly bought a cheap knife set, a block of basswood and I was off.
For a few years, I gave these birds to friends and family members as gifts. After that was done I kept carving not knowing who to give them to, so I took a few birds to work and to my surprise I sold everything. This planted a seed, that maybe I would be able to do this full time someday. It was difficult because I didn't have any formal art training, but was able to work through the challenges that I faced. Twenty five years later I'm finally carving full time.
I start each carving with a collection of bird photos and sketches to develop my design. Starting with a square block of wood (usually tupelo, but sometimes basswood), I pencil-sketches the outline of the bird; cuts out the general shape with a band saw; then using a knife, or power grinder, brings out the bird’s contour and features. Once the shape is to my liking, the piece gets finely sanded. I then uses a wood burner to add the fine, details to every feather, creating the lifelike softness. After the carving’ process is completed, the painting begins - using layer after layer of thin acrylic paint washes to create variations in color that bring the bird to life. It can take between 20 to 200 hours patiently creating each delicate bird, a truly "labor of love".
Today I live in Breezy Point, NY with my wife of 42 years and our dog Gracie. Living at the beach and taking long walks with camera in hand offers great photo opportunity in capturing the perfect shot of what will be my next creation.
I hope you like my work, I also take commissions.
