The group, though small, is hoping to reach out to people that have interest in "keeping the art alive." Vicki has 20 years of carving under her belt, whereas her friend and fellow carver Joe, has 9. "We want to share the art of woodworking, we want to teach, to get people involved."
Most recently the group provided demonstrations at the fairgrounds for wood carving hopefuls. "Our group costs nothing to belong, we charge nothing to learn and we welcome even those who have never held a wood carving tool. It is a fun hobby." Said Vicki.
When asked if the wood ever 'spoke' to them, that is when Joe's eyes lit up. Joe loves to hunt for driftwood or interesting woods to carve. While first learning he spent a lot of time practicing, creating an ear stick, a wooden stick with a variety of ears carved upon it, an eye stick and more. Coming to the wood with an idea is one approach, but allowing the wood to come to you with an idea is a whole 'nother ball game. The driftwood and woodbark creations by Joe are filled with passion - and with a little touch of winsome thrown in for good measure.
Cutting with the grain, creating art with each cut.
Scandinavian influenced walking stick - being painstakingly and lovingly carved by 72 year-old carving enthusiast Vicki.
The beginning - bass wood...a wood carvers blank canvas.
Often asked how long it takes to create a piece Joe answers, "from the beginning to the end." When carving, its not about the time, its about the creative journey. "And its fun!" Said Vicki.
When 72 year old Vicki, a carver of 20 years, was asked how she became involved she laughed and said, "I saw a couple of old people carving one time and asked them about it. Now look, I'm the old person carving!"
The tools of the trade.... 
The selection...
The cut...
Proud member of the California Carvers Guild - some intricate pieces.
If you would like to know more about the Mudville Whittlers please call Joe Perry at 785-7702.
