Out of the Woods: Carvings by Mann 

Carving wood as a form of artistic expression is probably as old as human civilization. Even though wood will eventually degrade, some artifacts have survived for thousands of years. Wood was used for carving household implements, tools, toys, representations of deities, wooing a mate, and perhaps just for decorative purposes. Today most uses are decorative, but woodcarvers still enjoy the process as well as the product.

We like the feel of wood in our hands and under the edges of the sharp knives and tools we use. Carving is a very tactile activity with the carver feeling the emerging shape as well as seeing it. I derive satisfaction and pleasure from seeing the beautiful grains of our natural hardwoods, such as walnut, cherry, butternut, basswood and buckeye, enhance the shape of the carving.

    Ol' Potbelly, The Wizard.  A cypress knee.