IN MEMORIAM The nation's woodcarving community lost a great friend in late 2017. Tom Hamilton died October 24, at age 84, leaving behind three children, eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and a host of fellow-carvers across the nation. A decorated veteran member of the United States Navy and former Oklahoma State Highway Patrol Trooper, Tom spent many years learning not only to carve but excelling, and bringing his skills to the "fine art" level. He and daughter, Lori, spent many years honing their skills at seminars and workshops across the nation.
His Native American Realistic Category entry was voted as the People's Choice Winner at the 39th Annual Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarver's Show in Tulsa, OK. Thank you, Tom Hamilton for your service to our nation, state, and to the woodcarving community across America. You will be missed, but not forgotten!
BOOM! FIVE CARVERS UNDER THE AGE OF 20 SHOW UP FOR THE THURSDAY NIGHT CARVE-IN!
Jeff Portman (right) decided that he and son, Daniel, age 11, needed a summer activity, so they showed up at the free EOWA weekly carve-in near downtown Tulsa. The next week, they brought two of Daniel's 11-y ear-old buddies with them.
Ross (center) and Sam(right) quickly understood the need to focus on the task at hand. Here, they are working on roughing out the shape of an antique shoe. At left is award-winning carver, Bill Payne, is ready to give these budding carvers whatever help they need to complete their project.
Mike Stephenson (left) another EOWA award-winning carver enjoys instructing Daniel (right) and the other young carvers coming to the weekly carving event.
Bill Payne's prowess as a wood-carver is legendary. When it comes to tackling woods known as difficult to carve, Bill is fearless. His interest in wood carving evolved when, as a Cub Scout leader in 1975, he taught and supervised Webelos on how to carve neck scarf holders to earn merit badges. All these years later, this award-winning woodcarver is still at it, constantly perfecting his artistic skills. Bill's favorite carving categories are fish and animals. Put a stick of wood in front of this retired American Airlines power plant engineer, and in very short order, he will produce a fine carving from any type of wood.
Bill Hulsey, right, is not just a gifted woodcarver, but a great encourager and mentor to young carvers. Hulsey possesses an amazing sense of perspective, and can sketch, then carve virtually anything he sets his mind to. And the mind of this retired Broken Arrow, OK firefighter is certainly active, as evidenced by his prodigious production of fine human faces, animals and other subject matter.
WOODCARVER, ELIJAH SCHARPF, WINS PUMPKIN CARVING GRAND PRIZE.
Twenty-year-old Elijah Scharpf, a member of the Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarvers Association, decided to try his hand at carving pumpkins when a local musician/record producer promoted the contest to pitch his new album. Scharpf, a fan of the producer's music, thought it would be fun to enter and see if he could capture the top prize. Among the prize surprise were tee shirts a hat and other items. The Braggin' rights weren't bad either!
Nine year old Tommy Torres started coming to the EOWA's Thursday night Carve-In in April, 2018. He has shown remarkable focus and manual dexterity for his age. Curious and attentive, he is supported by one or more experienced carvers who take the time to encourage him in his new-found hobby.
Every Thursday afternoon, 16-year-old Seth Blacke and his family drive 55 miles from a small northeastern Oklahoma town to Tulsa, OK, where they begin dropping their children off for a variety of activities. For his older brother, it's gymnastics, but for Seth, it's the EOWA's Thursday-evening Carve-in at Centennial Park. From the moment he arrives until the final sweep-up two hours later, he's all business. He sits surrounded by award-winning carvers many decades his age, soaking up their knowledge and getting expert advice on how to create beautiful carved images from all kinds of wood. Blessed with great hand-eye coordination and an artist's perspective, he's on his way to becoming a serious competitor in the Club's annual juried woodcarving event the not-too-distant future. Keep it going, Seth!
VIRGIL SMYTHNAMED 2017 WOODCARVER OF THE YEAR! Veteran woodcarver & wood turner, Virgil Smith has added yet another achievement to his storied career after being named Carver of the Year for the fourth time. When he was seven, someone gave him an old, broken Barlow pocket knife. Virgil sharpened it on a piece of concrete. Since that time 54 years ago, he has been making piles of curly wood chips. Virgil carves any kind of wood, and creates everything from sophisticated museum-level pieces to simple creations like the small turtle below. He is a retired Citgo computer systems engineer.
Betty Zumwalt is an accomplished wood turner. But she isn't satisfied with just a bowl; they become her "canvas" for carving some of the most amazing wood art creations. Her unique hand/eye coordination in combination with her ability to use carving tools as a "brush" are reasons why she is an award-winning artist. And if that wasn't enough, she carves with uncommon confidence and speed as well. Way to go, Betty!
Elijah Scharpf, 20, who joined the club five years ago, has been to almost every carve-in since. He's part of the younger generation of carvers now involved. He is especially adept at carving in miniature, an especially-challenging style. You go, Elijah!
Something happens when you begin to shape wood with a sharp knife! Discover the magic of woodcarving!
Missouri native, Kirk Bruce, started carving in 1982, when he took a class from renowned woodcarver, Harold Enlow. That one experience launched him on a journey that included fashioning Santa's at Silver Dollar City's former Woodcarving Center each weekend for five or so years during the 1990's. "I have literally lost track of how many of those I cranked out during my time there," the retired barber said. Along the way, Kirk picked a nickname that stuck. He's a frequent exhibitor at the many Craft shows in Northeastern Oklahoma. And here where he now resides, the carvers and Folk Artists in the greater Tulsa area, know him best as "The Santa Man."
Just a thought to encourage you in this winter of our discontent:"Every good friend was once a stranger!" Think about it!