Something Fishy’s Goin’ on Here

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Please welcome guest author Stan West. “Each piece I do,” says the Kentucky woodcarver, “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.” To see more of Stan’s work, please visit his website: www.WoodChipsNOil.com

As a school teacher in a small, Southern Kentucky town, I helped shape young minds. Now retired, I carve freshwater fish from chunks of wood. I’m learning more about life and my art. Though my media has changed, my passion continues to be connecting with others.

While a small child, I realized I wanted to be an artist. I grew up surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest, Cumberland Falls and beautiful bodies of water that reflected wildflowers and nourished bountiful wildlife. True to Appalachia, my hometown hosted artists and craftsmen. The region’s proud and talented people opened up an endless avenue of artistic expression.

While growing up, I spent my spare time painting, drawing and carving. In college, I majored in art education. It wasn’t until I was 46-years-old, though, that I publicly exhibited my art.

My earliest paintings and drawings were not very satisfactory. The details I included were overwhelming and confused the total presentation. As they say, I “lost view of the forest because of the trees.” I still struggle with that urge, so I consciously work to say more with less.

While I still paint and draw, my focus turned to woodcarving. I explored various subjects. I’ve carved an Indian bust, a six-feet-tall bobcat, an American Eagle and more. But I mostly carve freshwater fish. Ironically, that requires extensive attention to detail; some medium-size pieces require burning or etching over 10,000 scales.

My interest in carving fish as a means of expression occurred in the mid 90’s. I read an article in “Field and Stream” magazine about an artist who carved fish and thought, “I know a lot about fish. I’m going to try this!” After a few rudimentary attempts, I remained excited enough to continue.

In 1997, I had my very first public exhibition at “Old Fashioned Trading Days,” a cultural festival in my hometown, Williamsburg, Kentucky. That took a lot of courage. I felt like I was standing naked in front of a crowd. I didn’t know what to expect.

I was treated like a taxidermist! Most viewers couldn’t believe that all of my pieces were wood carvings. The warm reception was encouraging. But then, deep inside, I saw the flaws of what I considered my hurried and impatient work. I realized that I could and had to do better. From that point on, my work took on a new emphasis and dedication to creating realistic, high quality art.

Since then, I’ve carved over 50 fish, and that doesn’t include the ones I’ve thrown across the room. I’ve carved the same kinds of fish several times, but I avoid monotony through the enjoyment of creating new scenes. I have to tell a different story in the presentation. Looking back, my earliest carvings were somewhat static. Now I especially enjoy incorporating the appearance of movement and action. I also enjoy including realistic habitat and prey animal. Whether it’s a crayfish and hellgrammite (or “crawdad” and “grampas,” as we call them) or rocks and vegetation, everything in my artwork is carved from wood (some fish do have glass eyes.)

Realism is important to me. I design my work with fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. One of my greatest compliments was from a wildlife biologist. He looked with amazement at one of my pieces and said, “I saw that very same thing at the lake last weekend!” We communicated!

My style isn’t all that evolved. My preference for wood and tools, however, has evolved. In the beginning, cedar was my wood of choice. I still use it for carving animals besides fish; I enjoy cedar’s softness, aroma and varied grain. To me, cedar feels warm. Now, for carving my fish I use tupelo, especially for my competition pieces. It’s a soft wood that allows for clean cut lines and is easy to sand with no fuzziness.

My tools range from razor blades to chain saws. I use numerous electric tools, but I still carve with many hand-held tools such as chisels, rasps and files. Sometimes I have to get innovative. I’ll use anything that allows me the effect I desire.

After my first public exhibition, I spent time refining my work and getting more comfortable exhibiting. During that time, I read an article in “Breakthrough” magazine about a guy named Bob Berry. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Berry opened up a taxidermy and wood carving shop in California during the late 1960’s. Today, he’s considered the father of modern and representational fish carving. Bob has set the standards by which all fish carvings are judged. As a multi-talented artist, he’s very open to other artists and generous with his knowledge, experience and advice.

Sixteen years after that public exhibit, in 2013, I summoned up the courage to step onto a larger stage. It took a lot of introspection and support from my family and friends to make the decision. With fear and trepidation, I packed up three carvings and traveled to Springfield, Illinois. At the World Fish Carving Championship, I entered three carvings in the intermediate level, which is the second level of competition.

The top fish carvers in the world were there, including Bob Berry. Also there were Clark Schreibleis, Dave Bulna, Ted Richmond and more. The judges were world champions Jeff Compton and Josh Guge.

I knew not to expect an award. I was going to network and, hopefully, receive constructive criticism. As an English teacher, I encouraged peer review and the benefit of constructive criticism. I was there to learn, and my work was critiqued. Their advice was invaluable. They pointed out things I had not considered in my work’s design and execution.

To my utmost surprise, I took home two first-place, one second-place and one Best in Show ribbons! Most of all, I made quality contacts with artists in the field and gained encouragement.

Since the competition is being held overseas this year, I plan to compete again in 2015. I look forward to mingling with the artists, sharing ideas and having my new work critiqued again by the best fish carvers in the world. Even though winning and ribbons have their place in my ego, my realistic desire is just to learn and become the best artist I can be.

While we are individually responsible for improving our technique, the artistic community is responsible for its continual improvement.
Competition has its downside, and that is your temptation to conform your ideas to someone else’s standards. You must clearly see your own visions for your art, learn your craft and then “do your own thing.”

I have always felt the hand of the Great Spirit in my life. I’ve learned today, at the age of 63, that I have undergone a transformation of spirit, or quantum change, in the afternoon of my life. I am truly a blessed man, who has his struggles, but who is truly grateful that He has blessed my creating, which has enabled me to have a much closer walk with Him and my fellow man. The journey of my life, very much including my artistic development, has made life meaningful and filled with purpose.

As created beings, we are all part of the One who created us, and as such we are all born creative. There are infinite avenues for creativity, and He has recognized our burning desire to do something, to bring something to life. It is our sole purpose to recognize and feed the flames of this desire to its lifelong existence. That is what I hope I am allowed to do.

More articles on whittling/carving:

Learning the Curve: The Artistry of Matt Moulthrop(Opens in a new browser tab)

Warther family carves out a 100-year niche(Opens in a new browser tab)

A joy for wood: on carving hiking sticks(Opens in a new browser tab)

Every boy around, practically, carried a Barlow knife(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Tryon Toy Makers and Woodcarvers(Opens in a new browser tab)