Hand carving: An addition that's worth it.

While there are many woodcarving hobbyists, there are few professional wood carvers.  Someone can spend years carving, practicing long hours getting skilled enough in many styles and techniques.  Yet it's not good enough to be able to simply carve out a living, so to speak.  The professional wood carver works quickly, precisely, and with feeling to reflect the style, period, and part of the world he or she is representing.

There are many machine carved panels, corbels and details that can be applied to existing or new work, but they will not necessarily match the wood, the proportions, or the style.  And they are lifeless.  Not only is it important that the  design be well done, no matter how precise, but that the life of the artist/craftsperson doing the work is expressed through the carvings.  Most of the time it is better not to include machined carvings because they will add nothing to the project.  

A simple hand-carved rosette, a bird on a branch with just a few leaves, or an entire forest scene can transform well-made but plain woodwork into something special, unique, and a piece of art to be enjoyed each time you enter the room or open a door.  

Contemporary design is one of my favorite places for carvings because of the clean plain lines.  To carve an iris or other simple shape very precisely adds an element of surprise, a contrast, and a bit of unexpected life to the object that can be quite fun and work very well.  

The next time you are thinking of having something custom made, whether it is a kitchen, office, door, or piece of furniture, consider adding some hand-carved details.  Look for an artist/craftsperson that can truly add something beautiful to your home or office, a hand carving with life.