Robert Woolery and his wood carvings

Strolling through the craft area was a cool thing to do. One of the things that stood out most were the carvind from a man named Robert Woolery. Look for the guy using a chainsaw to make his initial cuts, watching as the chips fly everywhere. Be careful where you step, as wood chips are mixed into the fine sand, making for an uncomfortable place to plant a foot.

Roberts location was amidst other stands, and many of his carvings were on the wall. I noticed one piece that I liked alot. It was a carving of a palm tree. As soon as I saw it I snatched it up for my parents.

Days later I went back and asked if he could make another palm tree carving, except this time I wanted to know if he could carve  a drum into it and also the words "Chill Awhile". Since I loved hanging out at the Chill Awhile Cafe, I thought it was only fitting.

When I watched him carve I was suprised to see him take a chunk of wood and turn it into the final piece. He started with a chainsaw, making the first of many crude cuts to get the most basic of shapes carved out. Then he spent hours carving it out as I watched it unfold into the carving he would later start to paint and stain. I still dont know what kind of paint it was that he used, but I do know that the final coat was shoe polish. Yes, shoe polish. 

As the sun set, Robert started a fir. We hung out as he propped the piece up so that it could face the fire and dry out. . Its really a cool piece, a one of a kind, and Im glad I was able to watch that hunk of wood turned into that finished piece that I look forward to putting up back home.