Basswood is a wood frequently carved but he also enjoys the color and grain of naturally pleasing woods such as cedar, walnut, mahogany and maple. Consignment carving is especially enjoyed as he is able to produce carvings to someone’s specific preferences.

Artistic, awards, etc.:

Woody has shown carvings for several years at the Catawba Valley Woodcarving Club annual shows and competitions winning numerous ribbons and awards in various categories as well as Best of Show in 2017 and 2018. In 2019 his pieces won Gold and Silver awards in the 2019 Senior Arts competition at the Hickory Museum of Art.

Growth/Future :

At 71, Woody feels that he is just beginning to expand his range of woodcarving abilities and looks forward to developing a wider scope in media and technique.

Teaching & Outreach:

For several years Woody has participated as a craftsman vendor in the Whippoorwill Academy and Village Tom Dooley Days and Daniel Boone Days for elementary school children field trips. He also teaches and demonstrates woodcarving to elementary school children in the Hickory area at the Hickory Landmark Society’s Heritage Days each spring. He offers soap carving instructions and demos for youth and beginning carvers and has shown and sold woodcarvings at many local craft fairs.