Susan Lake Woodcarver (Bob)

My Snowmen are original hand carvings based on the creations of Susan Lake woodcarver, they’re just channeled through my hands. All of my carvings are made from Basswood sourced from Northern Wisconsin. I first sketch them on boards, they are then cut to rough shape on a band saw and then the process moves to the back porch overlooking the woods, I am joined by our 2 Jack Russels Petey & Katy. Susan was always trying to get me to pick up a carving knife and join her, she made it look so easy, my problem is that she was able to look at a board and see everything inside, I just saw a board.  In 2019 after moving from California to Georgia, I was especially driven after helping Susan and watching her carve, I decided to give it a try, with a lot of guidance, I was able to do this on my own for the first time! It was just like the old days. I remember some of the things Susan would talk about when I asked her about carving or painting, her answers are now in my head and I totally understand why she was so dedicated to her craft. When I’m carving now, I can see the finished product, when the Snowmen get their faces they always make me smile, when they get their arms and scarves they come to life, There is no way to describe how good this makes me feel…

Bob