You never know where curiosity will take you. When 12-year-old Galip Ağirkaya picked up his first wood carving tool during a school vacation in Istanbul, he had no idea he was beginning a lifelong journey that would span nearly five decades. Driven by his curiosity and fascination with the craft, he started carving - and never stopped. Today, Galip is a master wood carver with 45 years of professional experience, teaching wood carving workshops, connecting artisans across continents and working to preserve one of the world's oldest art forms. His story is a testament to the power of passion, continuous learning, and the deep connections that wood carving creates across cultures. We're honored to feature Galip in our community spotlight...
There's something magical about wood carving outdoors. Well, let's be honest - there's magic in being outdoors whether or not you're carving. Being in nature, removed from the everyday bustle of life feels like one massive exhalation for my entire body. For those times you're looking for a relaxing, creative activity to do outside, carving checks those boxes. The fresh air, natural light, and connection to the environment where your materials originated create an experience that isn't necessarily better than carving in your home or workshop - just different. Over the summer, I go up to the Eel river with my family to stay in a small cabin. There's no electricity, no cell phone service, and no neighbors within shouting...
From Retirement Whim to Award-Winning Art: A Woodcarver's Journey Meet Jerry, a retired journalist whose chance encounter with a woodcarving group twelve years ago transformed into a passionate pursuit of the craft. From his winter home in Arizona to the Oregon Carvers Guild, Jerry has carved everything from miniature carousel horses to an award-winning replica of the Cutty Sark's figurehead. About Our Featured Carver Jerry is a retired journalist who has worked as a reporter, editor, bureau chief, managing editor, photographer and columnist. He lives just outside of Portland, Oregon and winters in Arizona, where he continues to pursue his woodcarving passion. How did you get started in woodcarving? It all started on a whim. About a dozen years ago....
We interviewed Cooper Denton, from Oklahoma City. Cooper's day job is in IT for a restaurant group. He began woodworking in 2020, and recently launched a website, Coop's Woodworks, where he sells some of his carvings. The business is still in its infancy -Cooper describes it as a hobby. You can check out his website at worksbycoop.com. Tell us a little bit about how you got started? I got into woodworking in 2020. Wood cost was at its zenith and little old me said, screw it, now's the perfect time for a new expensive hobby-right in the middle of Covid. I had a double cabinet on the back wall of my garage, I started by removing the upper left quarter...
Ron Staebell (left), with his brothers and father Meet the Carver: Ron Staebell We recently caught up with Ron Staebell, a passionate new woodcarver whose thoughtful perspective and creative spirit shine through every project. From a Valentine’s gift for his wife to an upcoming violin for his granddaughter, Ron’s journey into carving is rooted in family, faith, and a lifelong appreciation for working with his hands. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and how long have you been woodcarving?My name is Ron Staebell. My wife, Esther, and I live in Bixby, Oklahoma (near Tulsa), but we both grew up on farms in South Dakota—Parker and Brookings. We have two grown sons and three grandkids....
