Eleven students participated in a two day class in Whittle-Carving on July 11 and 12, 2009 at Gorman Farm, an educational-learning farm in Cincinnati, Ohio.  All the students had big smiles on their faces indicating that they enjoyed a fun time together learning to carve three inch tall Whittle Folk Monks using only a knife to carve these small figures.

Participants are left to right in the front row: Don Potter, Pat Scott, Jim Cable, Ed Stover, and back row left to right: Tom Denton, Rick Eskins, Mickey Huston, Barry Pennington, Ferd Kruetzkamp, Dick Middleton and Rob Witzke.

These three photographs represent study aids and “go-by” examples.  The first photo begins with guidelines drawn with the aid of a template indicating where notches are to be cut in a one inch square by three inch tall block of basswood. The next illustration shows the notches have been carved and initial shaping carved to indicate the angle of the face, back of hooded robe, and shoulder and elbow placement.  The next illustration is a monk partially carved followed by one completely carved.

The middle photographs shows a row of partially carved monks carved to their basic form to illustrate that “Form follows function and Detail follows Form.” The third photographs is a facial study guide that begins with  templated drawn notches indicting where notches are to be cut to lay out the angles of the forehead, nose, mouth mound and chin.  The next illustration shows those notches carved into the wood which is followed by the next stage in carving the three divisions of the face in proper angles and proportions. The final illustration shows detail features carved on the right side of the facial study guide.

Three photographs of three Whittle Folk Monks showing how they look when completely carved and painted and stained.  Each is the result of being carved only with a knife.  Studying each photograph and each of the poses will reveal the subtle nuances used to embellish movement and interest in such a small figure only three inches tall.  The drapery of the robe, shoe emerging from under the hem of the robe, the crooked walking stick and the posture of each monk all give a sense of movement.

The River Valley Carving Club of Taylor Mills, Kentucky sponored this educational experience under the guidance of Jim Cable who organizes the classes.  Each student survived two days of intense carving experiences of learning the fine art of “whittling away time” which is a good way to make lasting friends while learning together.  Survivors survive because of friendships and good times shared together and wood carving provides for both.