How I Carve...
My artwork is created with the sportsmen in mind. I am especially pleased when fishermen see my work and identify with it. The only negative comment I’ve ever had was when one viewer said, “I’ve caught Pike larger than that.”
Currently, I am carving ten different species of freshwater game, fish, and other wildlife. My goal on each piece is anatomical accuracy with an enormous effort to realism in the details. When I display at shows I have to put up a sign saying, “Woodcarving, not taxidermy.” So the realism is there! Most viewers are shocked to learn that the fish, rocks, lily pads, and even the mud is made out of wood!
I use all different kinds of tools, such as razor blades, knives, power tools, and even a chainsaw. The most important tool is my bandsaw. It really allows me to save a lot of time in shaping the fish form and the fins.
In my quest for realism and accuracy, I must admit that I am a slow carver. It generally takes 100 to 150 hours to complete the carving, then, another 50 to 75 hours to scale and paint. Finally, I spend another 25 hours putting it all together. On each piece, I like the challenge of accomplishing something I haven’t done before. It may be a new way of mounting the fish or even a new design.
I use acrylic paint with an airbrush and regular artist brushes, my fingers, rags, or whatever to get the effect I want. I may put five or six washes of color on an area before I am satisfied.
Each piece I do takes me through a spiritual journey of creation of mind, body, and soul. My inner child runs wild as I go through the art process, and sometimes it’s difficult to put him back in his adult cage! So, this isn’t work, and it’s child’s play; my drug of choice.
Currently, I am carving ten different species of freshwater game, fish, and other wildlife. My goal on each piece is anatomical accuracy with an enormous effort to realism in the details. When I display at shows I have to put up a sign saying, “Woodcarving, not taxidermy.” So the realism is there! Most viewers are shocked to learn that the fish, rocks, lily pads, and even the mud is made out of wood!
I use all different kinds of tools, such as razor blades, knives, power tools, and even a chainsaw. The most important tool is my bandsaw. It really allows me to save a lot of time in shaping the fish form and the fins.
In my quest for realism and accuracy, I must admit that I am a slow carver. It generally takes 100 to 150 hours to complete the carving, then, another 50 to 75 hours to scale and paint. Finally, I spend another 25 hours putting it all together. On each piece, I like the challenge of accomplishing something I haven’t done before. It may be a new way of mounting the fish or even a new design.
I use acrylic paint with an airbrush and regular artist brushes, my fingers, rags, or whatever to get the effect I want. I may put five or six washes of color on an area before I am satisfied.
Each piece I do takes me through a spiritual journey of creation of mind, body, and soul. My inner child runs wild as I go through the art process, and sometimes it’s difficult to put him back in his adult cage! So, this isn’t work, and it’s child’s play; my drug of choice.
How I Paint...
Whether it’s a painting or a drawing, each piece is created from a single thought or idea. The first step is just a quick, rough sketch of the subject with some background. Then I draw to scale, with details, the animal I am trying to portray. When I tape the detailed drawing on the background drawing, the picture comes together and I can adjust any area. Then it’s simply a matter of transferring the picture to the canvas.
After that, I start layering in coats of color with the rule of “fat over lean.” As each layer is put down, I start adding details and adjusting light and shadow with layers of color and liquin.
I use only oil paint for my paintings. It’s the first painting medium I started with as a child, and I’m most comfortable with it. I like the ability and sensation of blending colors and shoving them around on the canvas.
After that, I start layering in coats of color with the rule of “fat over lean.” As each layer is put down, I start adding details and adjusting light and shadow with layers of color and liquin.
I use only oil paint for my paintings. It’s the first painting medium I started with as a child, and I’m most comfortable with it. I like the ability and sensation of blending colors and shoving them around on the canvas.
Exhibits
In May 2013, I competed in the World Taxidermy and Fish Carving Championship, which was held in Springfield Illinois. I entered three of my carvings in the Intermediate Level, which is one below the Open, or pro, level. I was very honored to win two first place awards, one second place award and one Best in Category recognition. This was my first time in this competition. When the competition comes back to the United States in 2015, I will enter it again, but this time I will enter the professional category.
- Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen, Berea, Kentucky
- Old-Fashioned Trading Days, Williamsburg, Kentucky
- Featured on “Traveling On With John Sullivan,” WKYT TV, Lexington, Kentucky
- South Carolina Duck Stamp Contest, Honorable Mention, 1987, 2002
- Invited to display at Tennessee Wood Carvers Association, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Contact Stan West:
P.O. Box 271, Williamsburg, Ky. 40769
606 280-1349
Email: Stanwest26@hotmail.com
Commonly used media: cedar, basswood, acrylic and oil paints, and pencil
Education: 1969 graduate of Williamsburg High School
Art education, elementary education, and Masters Degrees from University of the Cumberlands (Cumberland College)
2007, Retired middle school teacher
