[Woodcarver] Master Carver appellation

[Paul and Diana Guraedy]

In my opinion defining the term master carver, on the North
American continent, would be impossible. We have a rather
unique combination of professionals and amateurs assisting
each other to produce art (or craft, take your choice) in
an incredibly wide variety. The lines between these are
often blurred. I sell carvings does that make me a
professional? I certainly can't (and don't with to) make a
living at it.

Could one be considered a master unless they were able to
produce quality carvings in the areas of  caricature,
realistic figures (birds, mammals, fish, human), relief,
impressionistic and abstract? Shouldn’t they be expert in
natural, stained and  painted finishes? Considering where
we have advanced in the past 15-20 years, it seems to me a
master should also be expert with hand tools, hand sanding,
power tools and power sanding. Sharpening skills should
include both hand and power. 

Unless a defined Master Carver (rather than using it as an
honorific) had all of these skills (and others that I am
sure many of you could list) it seems to me the title
should be qualified. Master Caricature Carver, Master of
painted, abstract mammals. 

I guess this shows that I agree with the statement Ivan
made that “Master” is basically an archaic term from the
“Old World.” I think it is best left to them to define and
use.

Paul Guraedy
Alpena, ARkansas





	
		
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