[Woodcarver] Not a "Master Carver?"

[Victor Hamburger]

Woodcraft Shop wrote:
 
> After beating around this business for over 20 years, that's one thing that
> irks me the most .... someone calling him/herself a "Master Carver" with
> nothing to back up their claim.
> 
> I was given the following observations years ago about the process of
> becoming a "Master Carver".  

All:

Yep, that is generally what I have heard, it is the old European guild system,
you work your way in, and work your way up, and have to prove yourself every
step of the way.  Only the purest of the pure were given the title.  Nothing
wrong with it, but frankly, there are some carvers (not me!) on both sides of
the pond who are able to conceive, design, carve and finish work that competes
quite nicely with the best "Master" carver.  I would suggest that both have
spent many years at learning their craft, and both work hard at maintaining and
sharpening their skills.  I believe it was Ivan who said he still spends a
morning every week sketching rather than carving.  You can't stop practicing or
learning.  

BUT: Given two pieces of work, one by a "Master" and one by the carver who has
not been bestowed with that title, could any of us tell the difference side  by
side?  I doubt it...Both will be executed with clean cuts that express the
concept and design without excess in any part.  

The one difference I can see is that many of the carving I see pictured from
Europe is that they follow the same old traditional themes.  Saints and
Crucifixes, angels and religeous scenes, and while they are beautifully
executed, they exhibit little in true originality to my eye.  Obviously you have
lots of limitations if you are decorating a cathedral, and it is not to be
showcase for your pride but for the Glorification of your subject.  Meanwhile,
someone like Fred Cogelow has mastered design, execution, and technique, yet his
work is as recognisable and anyone's I can think of.  Is he a "Master" carver in
the European sense?  No, I don't believe so, but he sure can stand tall among
those who have passed the guild system.  

Just my $.02 worth, and about as useful as a pile of woodchips....

	Vic H