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 series. Whether you're just starting your carving journey or you've been at it for years, his insights on technique, inspiration, and the therapeutic nature of working with wood offer something valuable for carvers at every level.
The Interview
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and what do you do?
I was born in Turkey and live in Istanbul. My first profession is wood carving.
How did you get started with wood carving?
I started wood carving at age 12 during a school vacation - I was simply fascinated by it. In the years that followed, I pursued it professionally. After approximately 13 years of training, I've now been working as a professional wood carver for 45 years.
Have you made any wood carvings that you're particularly proud of?
Yes, I've created many pieces that I'm deeply proud of throughout my career. I'm sending a photo of one of my favorites. The other photos don't have any particular significance - just a few recent works I've done that showcase what I'm currently creating.
Do you have any wood carving heroes or inspirations?
Yes, my master was a true inspiration and someone I considered an idol. He later moved to Canada, where he passed away.
How do you continue learning and growing as a wood carver?
I'm constantly researching and connecting with fellow wood carvers from different parts of the world to exchange ideas and create new designs. Despite my experience, I still see myself as a student - always eager to learn something new.
Wood carving done in different geographies around the world represents local beliefs and cultures both visually and technically. Unfortunately, masters doing this work around the world are often living and working without knowing about each other. I'm currently writing a book, and while preparing it, I want to facilitate communication between these different cultures. That way, an artist living in Peru will learn about the work being done in Indonesia. This will bring the art of wood carving from the past to the future with much richer variety and local motifs for all humanity.
Thanks to my communication with masters from different geographies and cultures, the number of colleagues visiting my workshop from those countries has increased. Just this year alone, colleagues from Sweden, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Iran, Russia, and Japan have visited. My goal is to prevent the art of wood carving from disappearing in our country and around the world. To achieve this, I need to teach people what I know and also learn from their knowledge.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start wood carving?
My advice for beginners is simple: start! Wood carving is not only a craft but also a form of spiritual therapy. I highly recommend learning alongside an experienced carver (if possible), as it provides the best foundation for growth.
Do you have a favorite wood carving tool?
I love all the tools I use because they allow me to bring my dreams to life in wood.
What's your perspective on the future of wood carving?
Wood carving is one of the world's oldest art forms. While modern technology has made it somewhat less popular, that doesn't concern me. Wherever you go in the world, you'll find wood carvers keeping this ancient craft alive.
Follow Galip's Work
Want more wood carving inspiration? Follow Galip's incredible work and see his latest creations on Instagram and YouTube. One thing I love about Galip's Instagram account is he also highlights the work of all of his students! Truly inspirational.
His dedication to connecting carvers worldwide and preserving traditional techniques reminds us why we do what we do at Schaaf Tools - making wood carving accessible so more people can experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of this ancient craft.
So, what story will you carve?
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