Recently I picked up Rick Rubin's The Creative Act: A Way of Being and opened to a random page that said:
The ability to look deeply
is the root of creativity.
To see past the ordinary and mundane
and get to what might otherwise be invisible.
I'd thought about this idea through the lens of comedy - Seinfeld's genius, for instance, is finding humor in the mundane, weaving entire episodes out of "nothing." But I hadn't really considered how this applies to other forms of artistic inspiration.
When I think about my most creative moments - when craft ideas flow easily and making becomes part of my daily rhythm - there's always a quality of presence involved. The world shifts from background noise to a source of endless artistic inspiration. Rocks on the beach become a sculpture. A piece of bark becomes a fairy home. Tiny bits of magic can reveal themselves in the ordinary.
The Wave Project: Making Water from Wood
If you haven't seen these wood carvings yet, they're very cool - relief carved panels that capture the movement and texture of ocean waves through relatively simple gouge cuts. With the right paint, the lighting plays off the contours of the carved wood and really does look someone captured a little piece of the ocean.
It's another good example of looking deeply at something ordinary and finding creative possibility.
Brandon has almost no wood carving experience. He bought our Schaaf Tools 12pc wood carving set, and we sent him a carving mallet, along with some additional beginner learning resources.
What I love about this video - and how Brandon approaches projects in general, is how he encourages viewers to tap into their own creativity through his honest, introspective narrative. Yes, he covers the technical details - grain direction, creating texture with different gouges, working with (and through) mistakes. But he also shares the emotional reality of making something for the first time.
The excitement of trying a new technique. The frustration when your mental image doesn't match what's taking shape under your hands. The unexpected pride when something clicks and suddenly you can see what you're creating.
That honesty makes being a beginner feel accessible rather than intimidating. It reminds us that everyone starts somewhere, and that the messy middle of learning is part of the creative journey, not something to hide.
With nearly 1 million followers across his platforms, Brandon could easily present a polished, perfect version of every DIY project. Instead, he invites viewers into the real experience of making - doubts, discoveries, and all.
So check out the video, and see why Brandon said these viral wood carved waves "ended up becoming one of my favorite pieces I've ever made."
Your Turn to Look Deeply
Here's what I hope you take from Brandon's wave carving video:
You don't need years of experience to create something meaningful. Brandon had carved maybe once or twice before this project. What he did have was curiosity, the right tools, and a willingness to experiment.
Mistakes aren't failures - they're part of the conversation. Watch how Brandon adapts when things don't go as planned. That flexibility is a skill, and mindset, worth developing.
Inspiration is everywhere when you're paying attention. A viral trend. A personal experience. your everyday surroundings. Creativity starts with noticing.
Carve Your Own Viral Wave
The wave project is surprisingly beginner-friendly - it's forgiving of imperfect cuts (water is naturally irregular), teaches fundamental gouge techniques, and creates dramatic results.
Here's what you'll need to carve along with Brandon:
- 12pc Beginner Set - The foundation for relief carving with a variety of gouge profiles
-
15oz Precision Wood Carving Mallet - For controlled, efficient cutting
- A piece of basswood - pick it up at your local Home Depot
- Acrylic paints - colors used:
- Titanium White
- Paynes Grey
- Phthalo Green
- Phthalo Blue
For more inspiration, you can follow Brandon as he explores DIY arts and crafts projects for the first time @makewithbrandon.
Looking for more relief carving project ideas. We've curated a list of our favorites here, Wood Carving Projects for Beginners - 10 Easy Relief Carving Projects.
Leave a comment