Allen started his hobby of carving in 1980.
He is a self-taught carver/sculptor.
He does most of his work during the winter months. The first piece
he did was a Nativity set out of pinewood.
Being a self taught carver he endeavors himself to become better
each time a knife or chisel enters his hands. His favorite woods are
catalpa, cedar, basswood and walnut.
His present collection of Santa’s approx. 200, range from tree
ornaments to 4 foot high
statues. Santa’s are made
from cedar, willow, sycamore and catalpa.
He has made 6 nativity sets out of walnut, cherry and basswood.
Indian busts are made out of catalpa. His Last Supper pieces are 12” X
24” X 2” from basswood. His
most recent project are tree spirits carved in live or dead trees. If you
remove less than 1/3 of the tree bark, the tree will not be harmed.
Starting first with a chain saw and finishing it up with chisels,
then sealing.
Allen’s idea
of a St. Francis came alive a couple of years ago when an Elm Tree was
struck by lightning near his pond. He has made several with the help from
a chain saw, gouges and chisels; they stand approx. 4 feet high.
Many people have
asked Allen how he got started and what schooling he had attended with the
art of woodcarving/sculptor. He remarks, in 1962 in the eighth grade he was awarded Second Place
Certificate with a Silver Seal of Merit for sculpturing a horse’s head
out of Ivory soap. Unfortunately, the bar of soap had been used but Allen
still cherishes the certificate. Eighteen years later a block of wood and
Carving chisels opened his eyes to the art of woodcarving.
In 2001 Allen was approached by Indiana Arts Commision and was asked if he would like to participate in carving a White House Christmas Tree Ornament. The ornament had to be no larger than 2"x6"x8" and lighter than 8 oz. It also had to be a replica of a Indiana Historical Home. Allen chose the James Whitcome Riley Home. After been judged and excepted, it was sent to the White House. Each State summited ornaments. Allen received a Thank You Letter, a phone call and a 8 by 10 photo of the President and First Lady. So when the sun
goes down early you can assure that Allen is in his shop with chisels or
sitting in the family room in his favorite chair with a sheet on the floor
and the chips are flying. Having
a time of his life. Time….
Which he says there isn’t enough of.
He quotes “sleep
when you’re dead,” life is too short.
His wife 15 feet away is reading a book, smiling at the chips.
His
occupation is working for Rolls-Royce Corp. Test Engineering
Instrumentation. Indianapolis,
Indiana. He resides in Lizton, Indiana with his wife Linda.
