[Woodcarver] How you chose your specialty

[Joe Dillett]

> As the title suggests.  How did you chose what type of carving you 

> specialized in (if you do)?   Bill Judt says he concentrates mostly on 

> relief carving.  Second:  do you believe you should try to carve many 

> different styles or should you specialize?

>

> Steve


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Hi Steve,

Relief carving, specifically carving family histories on mantels, is about 
60% of what I do. So I would say that is my specialty. How I got into it was 
about 1970 when I did some totem pole work for the Field Museum in Chicago. 
After some research into the different types of totems, family pole, welcome 
pole, shame pole and territorial pole, I fell in love with the historical 
aspect of the family pole. I began documenting family histories on mantels. 
A few years ago my wife Sharon and I estimated that I've done about 600 
mantels since I started. It goes strongly with what I believe in, 
celebrating the family unit and honoring the family values and ancestry.

Yes I believe one should try to carve many different styles. Even though an 
artist finds their 'Artist Voice' they should never stop experimenting with 
other styles and forms. Their artistic voice needs to continue to mature. 
Experimentation is a great tool toward an artist's maturity.


Joe Dillett
The Carving Shop
645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
Somonauk, IL. 60552
(815) 498-9290 phone
(815) 498-9249 fax
http://www.thecarvingshop.com
jdillett at thecarvingshop.com
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