Friday, August 6, 2010

Wood Carving – That Moment of Joy – Pure Joy

Misty Hollow Carving
This BLOG is sponsored by “Misty Hollow Carving”. You are welcome to visit Misty Hollow and see all of my carvings.

My Web Site is a like a Gallery – please drop in for a stroll through.

To help me promote my Web Site please copy this URL address and email to someone today http://www.murraylincoln.com/

* * * * * * * *
Today’s Blog Post
Wood Carving – That Moment of Joy – Pure Joy

“Mike and Nancy” started as an old log that was sliced in pieces. Two weeks ago they were pretty much covered with dust and some cobwebs.

Today they are wrapped and ready to go.

I think that must have been the feeling that God had at that moment when he rested and uttered the words, “It is good…” when he looked at what he created.

Nope – I am not God and seldom have much God in me… at least not enough – the way that I should be…

But I am created in his image and that deep sense of satisfaction when something has been created… is done and looks great!

Today I delivered “Mike and Nancy” to Nancy. It is her gift to a fantastic guy named Mike. Next Monday is their 5th Anniversary – and she can hardly wait for the day. This couple is in love!

I started with some photos of Mike and Nancy… and knew a little of their interests. Then from there I looked at the old block of wood to see if it was just right. Yep – that will do.

Days later Mike and Nancy appeared from the original old piece of Pine. Their personalities began to show through… and the caricatures that they were becoming became even more clear.

I wish I could tell you what the feeling is like… when you complete the work. As the knife slides and glides quickly over the surface of the rough wood and a clean, clear cut is made leaving an almost polished look to the surface as it is cut.

Then chip after chip it is done.

It is good… very good!

I had a considerable problems at the end, after shooting the photographs… I had fallen in love with “Mike and Nancy” and didn’t really want to give them to Nancy. BUT – Nancy had already paid me the money for her carving… nuts… I had to let them go.

I think a parent feels that way too. At the moment that your son or daughter walks out of the house into their future… you don’t want them to go. You have invested so much and done so many things to get them to this stage… knowing full well that it would come. And then you take your hands off.

It is good… very good… when they head out on their own.

I almost asked if Nancy would let me be there when Mike opened his anniversary present… but that would be a little tacky!

My wife said as we drove away, “You know it is so great to have some one love something that you do so much! That is neat!”

Before I left Nancy’s work place… a possibility of a second carving is well on its way. This time a soldier in Afghanistan will be getting the surprise of his life… I already have plans as to what he might be getting.

Wood Carving is great fun. Starting the Wood Carving business of Misty Hollow Carving may be the greatest achievement that I have accomplished yet. I only wish that I could have done this sooner!

My goal is simple… put all my love into the old piece of wood that I can… until the best carving ever simples leaps out to love its new owner.

Mike, we haven’t met yet. But I feel I know you well. I know the size of your mustache, the way that your legs are bowed just a bit, the way that you grin below the mustache, the way your blue jeans ride low on your behind and are rumpled around your boots… I know you now.

Nancy… I know you too. Every little detail that came to mind.. I put my best into you. I sure hope that you like it!

Gotta run… another carving is about to be completed. It is a Dolphin for young lady’s memorial stone in her mother’s backyard. It will sit on the flat stone over her Urn.

Wood Carving – is that Moment of Joy – Pure Joy

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/
For my carving friends…

The heads are carved separately. They are not glued into place giving the carving the possibility to come alive, moving its head to different positions.

No comments: