Remembering LARRY PIETY ~ 3/22/41 – 2/3/21
Larry Piety and I have been carving friends for over 25 years. He ended his life’s journey February 3, 2021 but continues to live on in the act of remembering. Memories remembered are almost as good as when the memory was first made and made even better in the gratitude of the one remembered. Remembering Larry is to acknowledge for those who knew him, that we are better persons for having known him. His love for his wife Jeannie and his family is the gift he has given to those he loved. His gift to students and education as a teacher, coach and administrator are lessons that inspired generations of those who knew him. The gift of his keen mind with questing interests, his conversational questions showed his sincere interest in other people’s stories, his good humor, quick wit and winsome smile drew us to his magnetic personality. His faith in God and helping hand service of loving neighbor shines a light on the path for us to follow. His creative gifts of working with wood and woodcarving exposed the beauty within his soul. And most especially those personal memories of his friendship of his kindred spirit will be with us as we remember all he means to us. The best that we can say about Larry is that we are better persons for having known him. “Thank you, Larry.”
Don Worley has developed a unique style of carving the human face in the caricature motif that not only brings a smile but also an appreciative admiration of his artistic interpretation. Several years ago, he introduced the “No-See-Um” faces carved with eyes covered with a hat or hair. This was followed by his “Biker Dudes” with eyes carved to add character to the Dudes. Then he expanded his repertoire with his “Bunkhouse Dudes” of Western cowboy faces.
Keith Radick has a strong face with character that is a good subject for study. He is not only an accomplished carver but he also is a good sport by granting me permission to use his face for this study. The face on a WANTED poster is intended to be studied in case you ever see this character.
Mark Akers is one of the instructors at the October Renegade Woodcarving Roundup in Lebanon, TN. The photos are of some of his projects of shelf sitters, bottle stopper and ornament. The 3 monsters come from the same rough out. Attendees at the Round Up are sure to have a good time.
Carve along with Don Worley by using his simple follow-along trail of photographs and landmark descriptions for carving Cowboy Dude refrigerator magnets.
Don said of the four photos above ~ “I carved two 2″ X 3″ blocks to be part of the Buckeye Roundup auction. One has 2 Fireman and the other has 2 Cowboys. I used the same face carving techniques as in my Carving Biker Dudes book. After carving some Cowboys I used the same pattern and carved the Fireman.”
Mark Akers of Lexington, SC is a carving friend spanning several years who has developed a unique style of carving that is his signature. Professionally he is known as “KarolinaKarver” and has his carvings posted for sale on “Etsy- KarolinaKarver.” Mark has published several articles in Woodcarving Illustrated and has taught at the Renegade Round Up in Lebanon, TN a few times and will teach again there this October.
Don Worley is a carving friend to many within the carving family, having been the long time chairman of the Dayton Artistry in Wood and has participated in carving shows in Ohio, Indiana and the old Dollywood Carving Show. His outgoing and fun loving personality is reflected in his caricature carving as well as his friendship.