[Woodcarver] Question for Greg Wilkerson - Carving

[Greg Wilkerson]

Hi Chuck,
No need to apologize. 

I still stand by my article in the premier issue of Carving Magazine, about
having a "bread and butter" item for a carving business to rely on. Though
it may not be for everyone, it worked for a long time for me. I had averaged
carving 500+ walking stick faces for over 7 years when I finally decided
that 3500+ carvings of this type was enough and opted for "early
retirement". I still do the other carvings that were and are a big part of
my business, though admittedly I don't produce the volume I once did. I also
have the opportunity to develop some new carving projects that I have long
wanted to tackle, if and when I so choose. Now I have the freedom to really
"get into" a carving if I choose to and experiment with new looks, learn new
techniques, and just generally stretch myself out as an "artist". (I don't
really like to use that word when referring to myself, I still prefer
thinking of myself as a "tool technician" LOL)

I think that for anyone at any stage of life to take the plunge into this
type of profession, it must be accompanied by realistic planning and
research, along with a lot of personal soul-searching. Everyone who had done
this as a profession is different, and has probably taken a little different
approach to getting where they are. We have heard a lot on this list from
Joe Dillet about how he runs his carving business and I admire his
professional and thorough approach, and it has no doubt worked for him. I
would encourage you to ask questions of professional woodcarvers every
chance you get. Take a little something in the way of information from all
of them and see how you can apply it to your own goals and aspirations. I
have seen a lot of carvers approach the business end of it by simply
"winging it" and it almost always ends soon and in disaster. Preparation is,
I think, the key to getting started and succeeding in this or any type of
business. 

I may at some point get back into carving full-time. But for right now, I'm
kind of enjoying the freedom from "having" to make my carving time pay off
financially. 

Greg

Greg Wilkerson
Visit my website at:
http://www.wilkersonwoodcarving.com
-----Original Message-----
From: woodcarver-bounces at six.pairlist.net
[mailto:woodcarver-bounces at six.pairlist.net] On Behalf Of Charles Trella
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 3:38 PM
To: woodcarver at six.pairlist.net
Subject: RE: [Woodcarver] Question for Greg Wilkerson - Carving

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Greg - Thank you for the encouraging words and reply to my question. I 
apologize if I probed into an area that was too personal, and I thank you 
for sharing at least the one reason - creative freedom. Which makes absolute

sense to me.

One thing that I have always wondered about (and it is always a challange to

get good information on) is the reality of making a living doing art, craft,

or anything of an artistically creative nature. Especially if one has come 
late to the art/craft or has a family and all the associated 
responsibilities.  It just seems like such a huge financial hurdle to 
overcome to do this type of thing full time.

I would love to research & write a book on those who have found a way to do 
what they love and succeed in creating a lifestyle that it can support.

Anyway . . . thanks again. I can just imagine what your next creative growth

spurt will produce and I am sure many of us wait in anticipation of the 
beautiful work to come from it.

Best wishes.
Chuck

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