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Phil and Vicky Bishop Class

Husband and wife team, Phil and Vicki bishop are full-time woodcarvers from Elk City, OK and are well known for their skill in capturing expression and character in their carvings. They have won many awards and Phil is a member of the Caricature Carvers of America.

Once again, Phil and Vicki taught a great class. Fourteen students carved a variety of projects that included pirates, cowboys, cowgirls and even a cow. On our third day of class we painted our carvings and took finished projects home.

Phil and Vicki are great teachers in addition to being great people. Our days were filled with lots of laughs as we all learned some new techniques.

We were excited to invite carvers from Idaho and California as well as several Utah communities outside Salt Lake City. I always enjoy meeting new people that share the love of carving. I really think carvers are amoung the best people. We didn't let Phil and Vicki leave without a promise to return next year.

Eyes are the window to the soul.

We've all heard that saying before, haven't we? Do you look someone in the eye to see if they are tilling the truth? Facial expressions can really make or break your carvings, whether you are doing a realistic or caricature figure.

A few weeks ago I taught a class on facial expressions. We started with 1 1/2" square blocks and focused first on the proportions of a face - where to place the eyes, nose, and mouth. Then, we studied how the muscles of the face change with different expressions and worked on adding wrinkles.

Most importantly, everyone learned how to carve a face on a block. Now. they can practice on a stick to see if they really want to add that face to their project.

Next Facial Expressions class: June 9, Logan, Utah

CHIP TIP:

I always keep a 1 1/2" x 6" block within easy reach when I'm carving. I use it to "try out" a face or maybe just an eye or nose.

when I'm ready to paint I prepare this stick the same way I prepare my carving. This lets me experiment with paint colors before I put them on my project.

It's really true - practice makes (almost) perfect. Get a few blocks and cover them with eyes, noses, and lips. Your finished projects will show the result of your practice.

Beginning carver Joanne said,

"You've changed my life. I've never really looked at a bird until I started trying to carve one."

Joanne was one of my students in a beginning class last month. We discussed tools, sharpening, carving styles, resources, and carved a small pair of stylized geese.

I'm hoping that all six students will begin looking at all their surroundings in a new way.

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