[Woodcarver] International Woodcarver's Conference

[Mike Bloomquist]

I just wanted to post a mini-report and a VERY belated Thank You to Hugh, Matt, Jan, and others for stopping by and saying “Hi” at the International Woodcarver’s Conference, and a huge Thank You to Dennis and his staff for organizing it.  

Unfortunately, the number off registrations was down this year so Dennis had to cut back on some things.  Those folks that did attend, still had a wonderful time, and there was a lot of enthusiasm and energy.  Personally, I had as much fun teaching at this IWC as I did attending it two years ago.  Actually, it was more of a kick because, being a teacher this year gave me more opportunities to rub elbows with the other instructors like Marv Kaisersatt, Peter Benson, Ol’ Don, Rick Jensen, etc.   “The other instructors”… With the group Dennis had gathered I would have taught for free for the privilege of using that phrase… But don’t tell Dennis.  One of my high points for the weekend, besides sitting in on another Marv Kaisersatt lecture and seeing Ol’ Don and Sandie again, was meeting Rick Jensen (Mr. Carving Bark) in-the-flesh… what a character… and caricature.  He joined Yvonne and me for dinner and breakfast a couple times, and have I got stories!

All of my “Flat Plane Santa” classes were well attended, even the late Sunday time slot.  The “Teaching Woodcarving” lecture had five folks… not counting the “heckler” (that would be Matt) and they all stayed awake, so I count that one as a success.  That was a "first time" class for me, so it needs some polish.   Finally, three folks braved the possible troll curse and we had fun at a hands-on class I taught Saturday.  One of my students was a guy named “Honky” who was a friend of Rick’s.  Yep! There were more stories.  It was definitely a case where my low quantity of students was compensated by high quality ☺.

The low attendance seems to have hit a number of woodcarving events this year, and Dennis plans on giving his conference a year off to help solve that problem. The next IWC is scheduled for 2008, so mark the calendars, or your ‘puter calendars, or write yourself a note and stick it in the carving bag… just don’t miss it.

Oh, a quick carving book tip; copies of Marv's book, "Creating Caricature Heads in Wood and on Paper" are reportedly getting scarce and I heard him say he doesn't plan on funding a reprint.  Personally, I think "somebody" will finance a reprint it, but you might want to get a copy now just in case. Me?  Got my copy at the IWC in 2004 when it first came out... and it's signed, so eat your hearts out <BG>.

Keep on Carvin'
-Mike B.->