Bird In Hand
Summer 1975... I learned of the Pioneer Crafts Council, from my friend, Ingrid Berglund. The "Council" utilized the Grange Hall at Mill Run, Pennsylvania, in those days (i.e., before they acquired their permanent residence, called
"Touchstone" in Farmington, PA). Their mission was/is to teach pioneer crafts to interested parties. I went to their Woodcarving Workshop, that Summer. It was my first formal experience with woodcarving/wood sculpture. It was also my first opportunity to have a "shared" learning experience with other woodcarvers and sculptors. I was very fortunate to have Frank Flynn as my first teacher.
Frank is a wood sculptor, woodworker and furniture maker... and an excellent teacher and craftsperson! "BIRD-IN-HAND" was the product of our first assignment: to
make a small, hand-held sculpture, which also was "perfectly smooth". I set out to incorporate every type of surface form, which might be encountered in wood sculpture, as "B-I-H". I think "B-I-H" succeeded to meet each of those challenges: It was "extremely smooth" and it had concave and convex curves, transitions, hollows and projections. It was also the start of my "romance with Black Walnut! I spent one whole day carving and two days sanding. I think "B-I-H" is a very pleasant visual and tactile experience.
Personal statement from the artist/ sculptor, Mr. Emmett Amos