The Modern Woodcarver

Why the Best Carvers Never Stop Learning | Blake Lunsford

Most woodcarvers spend years trying to unlock the secrets of their craft—Blake Lundsford reveals how you can accelerate your progress by embracing community, learning from others, and leveraging online resources. If you've ever felt that carving is a solitary, frustrating pursuit, this episode will change your perspective. Blake shares his journey from novice to influential community builder, the behind-the-scenes of running the International Association of Woodcarvers, and practical tips for elevating your skills faster than ever.Discover how Blake’s online meetings and social media connections have created a global network of support, inspiration, and shared knowledge. We break down actionable insights, like how to utilize reference images, master sharpening techniques, and develop your unique style through a variety of mediums—wood, clay, or stone. You'll hear about the power of taking classes, studying expert work in detail, and the importance of patience and perseverance, especially when it comes to detail work like hyper-realistic carvings or complex facial expressions.This episode isn’t just about techniques—it’s about mindset. You’ll learn why continuous learning and making mistakes are essential to growth, and how the community spirit in woodFollow Blake herehttps://www.lunsfordcarvings.com/www.youtube.com/@intlassocofwoodcarversfacebook.com/intlassocofwoodcarversinstagram.com/intlassocofwoodcarversTools I Use: Flexcut- Carvin Jack 2.0:https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger tape variety pack: https://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaver craft leather strop: https://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfiel Plam set C 6 pieces set: https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3Folk Art Matte Acrylic Paint Sethttps://amzn.to/4eFM0IQhttps://linktr.ee/gurradowoodworks

How to Find Your Style in Woodcarving- David Young

Explore the art of developing a unique woodcarving style with David Young, whose background in math inspires his colorful, geometric creations. Discover how a simple whittling session sparked his journey from hobbyist to author and content creator. This episode offers insights into crafting a signature style, using bold colors, and visualizing shapes to enhance your carvings. Perfect for beginners and seasoned carvers alike, learn how to simplify your process and carve with confidence. Join us for inspiration and practical tips to transform your carvings into lasting art.Follow David Young here :https://www.instagram.com/dywoodcarving/https://www.youtube.com/c/dywoodcarvinghttps://www.facebook.com/dywoodcarvingDavid Book - https://a.co/d/0ikkwxR8Tools i use Flexcut- Carvin Jack 2.0:https://amzn.to/4eFL872Finger tape variety pack: https://amzn.to/3QYlWPmBeaver craft leather strop: https://amzn.to/4tYz0mgPfiel Plam set C 6 pieces set: https://amzn.to/4dcoQJ3Folk Art Matte Acrylic Paint Sethttps://amzn.to/4eFM0IQhttps://linktr.ee/gurradowoodworks

The Art, Chaos, and Beauty of Chainsaw Sculpture

Unlock the secrets behind Abigail’s extraordinary versatility in wood carving—from hyper-realistic animal sculptures to bold chainsaw masterpieces. How does she juggle such diverse styles, tools, and scales? And what lessons can her journey teach aspiring carvers about pushing boundaries without burning out?Most carvers stick to one style, one tool, one scale—Abigail challenges all of that. She reveals how her childhood obsession with whittling evolved into a multifaceted craft, spanning chainsaw sculptures, detailed faces, and expressive figures. Discover how she transitioned from high school hobbyist to selling carvings that fetch hundreds in the marketplace, all while managing physical tolls and setbacks.In this episode, Abigail shares her journey into chainsaw carving—what it took to master the loud, messy art—and how she turned her initial loathing into a lucrative passion. We break down her favorite tools, brands like Steel and Husqvarna, and her insights on balancing speed with detail. You'll discover her unique approach to facial realism, creating pieces that hold emotional depth, and why she avoids over-sanding.We also explore her perspective on the emotional connection to smaller carvings versus large-scale creations, and why the value of time and effort often clashes with market prices. Abigail discusses her biggest accidents, safety lessons, and how carving became her meditation—proving that persistence and passion can transform a hobby into a lifetime craft.Perfect for beginners eager to expand their scope, seasoned artists seeking new inspiration, or anyone curious about the raw, rugged beauty of wood sculpture—this episode will challenge your perceptions and ignite your creativity. Whether you're interested in realistic faces, chainsaw power, or carving as therapy, Abigail’s story proves that versatility is the key to true mastery.Abigail is a skilled woodcarver with a background in realism, chainsaw art, and decorative whittling. Her journey from a childhood passion to a professional craftswoman exemplifies dedication and the joy of constant exploration in art.Join us to learn the tools, techniques, and mindset that keep Abigail inspired—and find out how you can push your limits and carve your own unique path in this diverse, dynamic art form.Ready to redefine what’s possible with carving? Hit play and be inspired to turn your woodwork into a multifaceted masterpiece.

From Miniatures to Masterpieces | Josh Arroyo

Join us on the Modern Woodcarver Podcast as we sit down with Josh Arroyo, a talented woodcarver specializing in character carvings. Discover how Josh's journey began with a simple gift of a knife and evolved into a passion for creating expressive, personality-filled pieces. In this episode, Josh shares his experiences, from the challenges of working with different woods to the joy of crafting miniatures and the influence of legendary carvers.Explore the creative process behind Josh's work, including his approach to blending traditional techniques with personal style. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or just starting, Josh's insights into the art of carving will inspire you to pick up your tools and start creating.Perfect for hobbyists and professional carvers alike, this conversation delves into the heart of woodcarving, offering valuable tips and inspiration for anyone looking to bring their carvings to life.Follow Josh Aroyo's work here

From Soap to Wood to Golf Balls: A Creative Journey in Carving

Discover how a simple soap carving hobby evolved into a thriving craft that’s inspired thousands — and how you can turn your passion into a creative therapy.When Dan Gallagher started carving soap in third grade, he never imagined it would lead to a unique career in stylized golf ball characters and realistic animal sculptures. From his first polar bear out of Ivory soap to his intricate Star Trek Worf, Dan's work blends humor, artistry, and a deep understanding of anatomy and expression. His story showcases the surprising origins of his craft, the importance of fundamentals, and the joy of embracing multiple mediums, from basswood to cottonwood bark.You'll discover: * The importance of mastering basic cuts before tackling complex projects—plus Dan's simple yet effective tools like popsicle sticks and micro-gouges. * How safety and patience are essential, especially when working with slippery golf balls or fragile cottonwood bark. * The secret behind carving expressive faces with minimal features—focusing on eyes and mouth to convey personality instantly. * The benefits of practical experience, from childhood mentorship to carving at summer camps, shaping Dan’s career in education and creativity. * Why "less is more" is a mantra for avoiding overcarving and overthinking, a lesson applicable across all craft mediums. * Insights into the inside of golf balls, the challenges with the liquid core, and the best methods to cap and carve these tiny sculptures. This episode is perfect for hobbyists eager to expand their material repertoire, experienced carvers looking for fresh ideas, or art lovers curious about the intersection of humor, realism, and craftsmanship. Dan's candid stories about mistakes, breakthroughs, and the therapeutic power of carving remind us why creating with our hands is both healing and addictive.Join us for a fascinating journey into the art of carving—an inspiring reminder that with patience, practice, and curiosity, every scratch and chip can become a masterpiece.Follow Dan’s work on Instagram at goofballs__by__dan and get inspired to carve your own character, animal, or whimsical creation today.Why this works: Follow Dans work here! https://www.instagram.com/goofballs_by_dan/