Cynthia Sartor

        I was always the kid going around the neighborhood in jeans, a t-shirt and a pocket knife in my pants pocket in case I found that "special" piece of wood i could do something with. In those days, having a pocket knife was not a dangerous activity because, of course, you wouldn't think of hurting anyone or yourself with it. Times have changed.

        I have always been interested in carving and wood working. I much prefer molding wood into shapes rather than cutting and shaping it with machines. I have been carving wood seriously now for about 5 years. I enjoy deep relief carving the most and have two major projects that I am quite proud of. The first is a king sized bed with a 6 1/2' head board and a 3 1/2 foot; foot board. There are clusters of grapes on vines with the center piece being a large wicker basket filled with grapes. The second piece that I am most proud of is a wall hanging 30" x 36" x 2" This is a copy of a carving currently hanging in a german medieval cathedral. It is a combination of leaves, flowers and lots of vines. Both pieces are made of Mahogany, a wood I especially enjoy working on.

        When not doing detail work, I enjoy carving wooden bowls from native wood. I like Cherry, Catalpa, Red Qak and Red Elm. Lately, I have been learning to carve in the round and have been doing some small 6" figures of immigrant people.

        I usually listen to a book-on-tape and carve either at the kitchen table or in my shop with the doors open or the wood burner on. A wonderful way, indeed, to spend an evening or Saturday afternoon.

        I have enjoyed the little that I have participated in the WVAG and look forward to more activities.

Copyright 2008