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Featured ArtistsLowell Farland & Jim MorrisBy Pam Steinle Good friends for many years, Lowell Farland and Jim Morris try and convince others they are brothers. While there isn't any blood relation, they do share a common bond - woodcarving. Both men are founders of the Ceylon Woodcarvers Club, which meets the first and third Tuesday of each month. For two hours, two days a month, a group of 18 gather to teach, visit and carve with friends. The process of shaping a piece of wood into a recognizable sculpture is quite a feat. One must continually cut away until the correct lines and shapes have emerged. After completion, the finished product is a prize to the carver. But in addition to the benefits of completing a project there are the therapeutic rewards. Farland and Morris both cite the hobby as very relaxing, and a great opportunity to relieve headaches or even mental problems. 'There are many nights I'll sit down and carve, and I don't realize how fast time flies," commented Farland. Farland was the first of the pair to discover the hobby 18 years ago. The Blue Earth Wood Carvers' Show was in Fairmont, and Farland happened to visit with the group. He enjoyed himself so much he returned the next day, and before he knew it he had joined the club. Morris was officially caught up with woodcarving after Farland brought him to a woodcarving show in the Twin Cities. The hobby agreed with Morris and he joined the Blue Earth Woodcarvers as well. As members of the club, they began meeting with the rest of the group on the second Monday of each month. Then, usually on Tuesdays, the two mem would go to either of their two homes and carve. Word spread, and soon the Ceylon Woodcarvers were born. Both men feel clubs play a vital role when developing woodcarving skills. To become good, one needs experience and encouragement - both of which can be supplied by a club. "Two heads are better than one," said Morris. "it's important to be in a club. You learn from others, and it's nice to carve with someone else and - pick up new habits. You are exposed to other types of carving, woods, and styles." Woodcarving is an - inexpensive hobby. The only tool necessary is a knife, although there are basic gouges and miscellaneous cutting tools available. Both men use butternut and basswood blanks when carving. They also appreciate the camaraderie felt between fellow woodcarvers. There are very few carvers you don't like, or that aren't friendly," said Farland with a smile. He described carvers as a more relaxed bunch with a relaxing hobby. Farland met Morris in 1966, when both were employees at the local high school near Ceylon. An Industrial Arts instructor for 17 years, Farland is currently employed full- time at TG' Industries in Armstrong. Iowa. The hobby is convenient for him, because he can do it in his free time, set it down, and return to find it in the same condition he left it. Carvings don't spoil or become outdated, which makes it an ideal pastime for those with full schedules. Morris, on the other hand, retired from his custodial work and has more time to devote to woodcarving. Morris has taken to teaching the art. He volunteers at the local club, leading the members with step-by-step instructions towards the completion of a specific project. "I don't let them start on things too big, because you want them to finish," explained Morris. He believes the completion of an initial project gives the carver confidence and the motivation to begin a second project. There are so many different types of carving, it isn't a problem finding an area you're good at," said Morris when explaining how carvers get hooked to the hobby. "And if you're good at it, you will like to do it. Farland says the secret to excellent woodcarving is sharp cutting tools. He prefers using patterns when carving, because he claims he is not an artist. And, he said with a smile, it doesn't matter what it looks like; there are always some good points to a carving. "Good" carving requirements are very flexible, focusing mostly on neat, clean cuts. Morris enjoys creating realistic carvings, with fish being his favorite subject. As a fisherman himself, he possesses an extra source of knowledge when recreating images. Over the years, Farland has learned to manipulate his tools more skillfully, resulting in cleaner cuts. To him, the best part of carving is the finished piece - and being with fellow carvers. Morris is appreciative of the positive comments his products receive, and to him the praise is the most rewarding aspect of the hobby. He vividly described the feeling of self-satisfaction one experiences when presenting an admiring grandchild with a carving. Neither man carves for the purpose of making money. Morris explained that compared to ceramic art of the same size and detail, carvings are much more expensive as a result of the time invested in it. Farland summed it up by saying, "I don't sell my projects, because then it's work, and I enjoy my hobby." Both men believe that anyone can carve - they just have to try. Farland pointed out, "If you can peel a potato or sharpen a pencil, you can carve." Morris encourages anyone interested in woodcarving, especially if they lack confidence in their abilities but want to try, to contact the Ceylon Woodcarvers at (507) 632- 4317. |
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