The Carver Video

A little over a year ago, I was featured in a video produced by the guys behind EastPost Media. I forgot about it, but while searching for another video I stumbled across it on YouTube: The Carver.

It was a fun video shoot. It was my second time behind the camera (Shaw TV did a 2 minute promo in 2016), and these guys spent a lot more time managing the light and shadows and created what I think is a pretty cool vibe with this. I was impressed that with their creative use of shadow you can’t see the mess in the background!

I could have used a hair cut, and I normally don’t carve spoons and let them flop around like a fish out of water, but we were trying to allow the camera to see me at work. I just happened to be filling a commission of some coffee stirring spoons. Next time I’ll work on something larger and easier to view through a camera lens. Near the end, they took a few interesting shots of some carvings in my studio.

These guys are good – I can recommend them based on personal experience.

Grant

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Carving Art Show in Richmond, BC

This weekend is an exciting weekend because one of the very best woodcarving art shows is being held in Richmond, BC. There will be hundreds of carvings on display, from beginner level to world-class expert level!

I have entered my dogwood flower sculpture.

 

I highly recommend this show because of the high level of quality carvings on display, but also because most of the carvers will be there and you can ask them questions about their carvings, and potentially purchase a one-of-a-kind piece of art for yourself or an amazing gift.

It will be busy – lots of people attend this show, so it has a kind of buzz about it that is enticing and enjoyable, too. Here’s the link to the show info: http://richmondcarvers.com/carving-show-2019/

And here is the show poster:

Artistry in Wood Poster-2019

I hope to see you there! If you see me, please say hello.

Grant

Dogwood Relief Sculpture

The dogwood relief carving I have been working on for several months is finally complete.

This carving is carved out of one solid piece of wood. It is a one-of-a-kind relief carving of the official flower of the Province of British Columbia.

The frame is a 10×14 inch shadow box.

It is available. Message me if you would like to buy it.

Dogwood Flower Sculpture

Here is an in-progress shot of a spray of dogwood flowers I am sculpting:

This sculpture is an art piece of my own (a rare non-commissioned piece), which I have been nibbling away at for a few months now. I had hoped to complete it before Christmas, but there are many competing interests at this time of year, so it may have to wait.

Here are a few more pics:

In this last photo, I am undercutting the flowers to make them appear to float above the background. I intend to frame this piece in a shadow box with a black background.

Art of the Carver Show and Sale Summary 2018

Ken Fotheringhame’s Carving won People’s Choice

The Art of the Carver show and sale today was a big success. One hundred twenty seven carvings were on display.

Ken Smorang’s carving won Best of Show

The quality of the works on display were top notch. And the number of people coming through to visit was huge!

This Meadow Lark took me back to Saskatchewan

Watch for more photos and updates at the club website soon.

Thanks to all who came out to support our art.

Art of the Carver Show 2018

This Saturday (tomorrow), the Central Fraser Valley Woodcarvers are hosting an art show called Art of the Carver.  This is an art competition that is open to the public after the judging is complete. From 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM, you can wander through the display tables where the artists and carvers will have over one hundred carvings on display, many of them for sale. If you are looking for a unique Christmas gift, this is the show for you!

You can see a sampling of photos from previous events here.

Hope to see you there!

 

 

Handcarved Pendant Necklace

This one-of-a-kind pendant necklace is inspired by fall on the West Coast. We often come across salamanders on our outdoor adventures. This one is much like the little fella we found near the ruins of an old barn near Fort Langley, BC.

This miniature sculpture is carved in teak wood and finished with linseed oil and beeswax. The adjustable brown leather necklace is attached with a hand made brass ring, attached to the tail with a whip-finished brown thread.

This necklace is for sale for $119 plus shipping, if needed. Email me at gvmcmillan@gmail.com to purchase it.

DeWitte Family Crest

So many of my clients become friends, which I hope for because it means my carving adds meaning to their lives.

The DeWitte family have become some of our very best friends after they called me on a recommendation from the President of the Central Fraser Valley Woodcarvers Club. Jack is an amateur historian and a very good one. He knows his family history and he knows heraldry. This family crest, with helmet (those are feathers coming out of the top), shield, lions, castle towers, and surrounded by acanthus leaves, is historically accurate for the DeWitte family.

The wood is walnut, and is carved not deeper than one quarter of an inch, which means that all the depth you see is an illusion. It utilizes light and shadow to give the impression that there is more depth than in reality.

I feel privileged to work for true lovers of this art and craft like the DeWittes. And even more pleased to call them friends!

If you are interested in having something similar carved for your family, please email me at gvmcmillan@gmail.com

Rifle Stock Carving

I get some very interesting carving commissions! That’s what I love about this work – there’s no getting stale because someone is always asking me to carve something creative and challenging.

This latest commission is for a rifle stock. The wood is walnut, and the carving is to match a tattoo! How cool is that?

Coffee Stirring Spoons

Story

These spoons came about because my daughter-in-law’s mom really likes double-walled glasses or mugs for hot coffee, but sometimes they break when people use metal spoons and, in her words, “stir like a billy!” which appears to be Kiwi for “stir like the Incredible Hulk” or, to translate into Canadian, “stir violently and break my favourite mug!”

Sorry, but that is not cool.

She asked me to come up with a design that would blend style and mug-stirring-safety all in one spoon. For an added bonus, I have kept the spoon bowl rather small to help reduce sugar intake and keep the dreaded diabetes at bay. You can have a style, mug safety, and personal health all combined in these little spoons.

Each one is hand-carved in walnut, and impregnated with non-toxic cutting board oil.

Inspired by the Art-Deco movement and exclamation marks.

Price: $20 each, or 6 for $99. Shipping is not included.