Local craftsmen shares his love for wood carving

Story and photos by Andy McDonald

It’s been said that woodcarving is recreation for the body, learning for the mind, and expression for the soul.

For Berea craftsman John W. Adams, woodcarving seems to be much more than that – a chance to pass on the satisfaction and joy of creating something from nothing. Adams is currently teaching the finer points of his craft in Richmond and Berea, offering community education classes at Eastern Kentucky University as well as a two-hour weekly course at the Berea Intergenerational Center on Jefferson Street. Both courses are for beginners, and while the prospect of woodcarving may seem daunting for a newcomer, students who learn the basic cuts like the thumb push and the paring cut are soon well on their way to creating their own works of art.

Carver John W. Adams watching Barbara Blackerby at hone her skills,

“With every carver it’s like riding a bicycle,” Adams said. “It’s hard at first, but we even produce something in the learning process.”

Adams should know. He began carving in 1990, but he soon recognized the need for instruction tailored to the needs of beginners. That prompted him to begin teaching.

“I went from knowing nothing about carving to teaching it in two years,” Adams said.

Since he first picked up the knife, Adams has produced nearly 1,000 wooden carvings, from simple Santa Claus caricatures to intricate, realistic bird sculptures. Adams opened his own studio, which is listed on the Kentucky Heritage Artisan Trail. But instead of launching a full-fledged crafts business, he decided to concentrate on enjoying the art form.

Two snowmen, which are the first project of the carving class.

“I don’t want to go into production and make fifty snowmen,” Adams explained. “That takes the fun out of it.” Adams’ carving class in Berea is offered from 1-3 p.m. Thursdays at the Berea Intergenerational Center, where students can learn the basic skills of carving, sanding, painting and cleaning. When the course concludes next month, students will have produced four basswood carvings, including two snowmen, an angel, and a stylized bird.

Bill Libert and Barbara Blackerby, who recently started Adams’ class say they enjoy seeing the instant results the class can offer. Adams explained that quality is encouraging for beginners, - one that has fascinated him from the beginning.

“A student needs to see success pretty quickly. Bill already has a smile ear to ear,” Adams chuckled. “I like to see the changes from one stage to the next. I guess I like to see the final product.”

Visitors to Berea can find Adams and a cordial band of his fellow carvers at the Berea Welcome Center at 10 a.m. every Wednesday, offering visitors a fun glimpse of local craftsmen at work.

“We just have the greatest time,” said Adams. “We talk to the tourists and help each other. It’s really a great group.”

Adams still finds time to keep in touch with his former students, some of whom have gone on teach beginning carving courses of their own. Occasionally, he still cuts wood or “blanks” for his former students so they can begin new projects and continue their interest in carving.

“I don’t want them to take the class and be done with it,” Adams explains. “My goal is for them to want to keep going.”

Author’s note: For more information on John W. Adams carving classes, contact him at jwa@snapp.net