LEARNING TO CARVE

The beginning must have been that you wanted to learn to drive. Similarly you must want to learn woodcarving.

But surely we agree you want to learn - after all that's why you are reading this.
Yes, but the crunch, right at the beginning, is to realise that it is the emotions that start us going, that drive us. We are energised by gut desires - not simple head-wishes.

Many beginners have a head fantasy of learning to carve but really have no idea of hard work it might take to realise this simple wish. Especially if they want to carve well, as we all do - to the best of what we are capable.

We need the energy of emotion, the will, the passion, to overcome obstacles and frustrations, to keep us hanging in when our patience has run out.

Additionally it will be the emotions that reward us: the physical pleasure of cutting with sharp tools, the sounds and smells; the joy of creativity, of making something beautiful where there was nothing before.
And there are untold rewards to be had...

We need this strong emotional engagement because success in carving, or any skill, will make many demands of us.