Original Woodcarvings and Sculptures
Artist Statement
Moving from Chicago to Minnesota as a child changed my life
drastically. I was suddenly in a world of trees and lakes.
I loved it immediately. My love of the outdoors and the
critters and spirits of the woods grew with me into my
adulthood. Later in life, I moved to Middle Tennessee where
I have been for more than twenty-five years and consider
this my home.
It all began with a piece of half rotted firewood. I was
enjoying a campfire in the woods on my property one evening
when for some reason, I stopped inches from the flames
holding a hollowed log. I set it aside and later brought it
into my house for closer inspection. One step led to
another and before I realized it, there was a beautiful
hollowed out log carved into flames. The piece is named
"Firewood" of course. I regret selling it as that piece is
what started it all. (View the photo on the Assorted
Sculptures and Carvings page within the Gallery.)
Inspired and curious by, what I assumed was an accidental
piece of art, I took a walk in the woods and found a dead,
dried and weathered branch. Using very old and dull chisels
that had belonged to my father and grandfather, I began to
carve a face. This too surprised my family and me as I
can’t draw anything more complicated than a ‘smiley face’.
However, for unknown reasons I can see and create forms in
three dimensions. I had not known this of myself and it
immediately seemed like a natural fit to carve wood. It
changed my attitude and my life. I dove in and educated
myself on types of wood, tools and finishing techniques.
My chisels are no longer dull. I enjoy all aspects of the
carving and finishing process. Now, what seem like minutes
are actually hours as I immerse myself in a simple piece of
wood. I allow the natural shape and grain to dictate what
the finished piece will be. Carving is a passion that will
be with me for life. I believe everyone has a passion for
something natural and creative. Those who have not found it
yet only need to open their eyes and minds and allow
themselves to see the forest
and
the trees.
Lundy A. Cupp