The Modern Woodcarver

Join us on the Modern Woodcarver Podcast as we sit down with Josh Arroyo, a talented woodcarver specializing in character carvings. Discover how Josh's journey began with a simple gift of a knife and evolved into a passion for creating expressive, personality-filled pieces. In this episode, Josh shares his experiences, from the challenges of working with different woods to the joy of crafting miniatures and the influence of legendary carvers.Explore the creative process behind Josh's work, including his approach to blending traditional techniques with personal style. Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or just starting, Josh's insights into the art of carving will inspire you to pick up your tools and start creating.Perfect for hobbyists and professional carvers alike, this conversation delves into the heart of woodcarving, offering valuable tips and inspiration for anyone looking to bring their carvings to life.Follow Josh Aroyo's work here

Discover how a simple soap carving hobby evolved into a thriving craft that’s inspired thousands — and how you can turn your passion into a creative therapy.When Dan Gallagher started carving soap in third grade, he never imagined it would lead to a unique career in stylized golf ball characters and realistic animal sculptures. From his first polar bear out of Ivory soap to his intricate Star Trek Worf, Dan's work blends humor, artistry, and a deep understanding of anatomy and expression. His story showcases the surprising origins of his craft, the importance of fundamentals, and the joy of embracing multiple mediums, from basswood to cottonwood bark.You'll discover:The importance of mastering basic cuts before tackling complex projects—plus Dan's simple yet effective tools like popsicle sticks and micro-gouges.How safety and patience are essential, especially when working with slippery golf balls or fragile cottonwood bark.The secret behind carving expressive faces with minimal features—focusing on eyes and mouth to convey personality instantly.The benefits of practical experience, from childhood mentorship to carving at summer camps, shaping Dan’s career in education and creativity.Why "less is more" is a mantra for avoiding overcarving and overthinking, a lesson applicable across all craft mediums.Insights into the inside of golf balls, the challenges with the liquid core, and the best methods to cap and carve these tiny sculptures.This episode is perfect for hobbyists eager to expand their material repertoire, experienced carvers looking for fresh ideas, or art lovers curious about the intersection of humor, realism, and craftsmanship. Dan's candid stories about mistakes, breakthroughs, and the therapeutic power of carving remind us why creating with our hands is both healing and addictive.Join us for a fascinating journey into the art of carving—an inspiring reminder that with patience, practice, and curiosity, every scratch and chip can become a masterpiece.Follow Dan’s work on Instagram at goofballs__by__dan and get inspired to carve your own character, animal, or whimsical creation today.Why this works:Follow Dans work here!https://www.instagram.com/goofballs_by_dan/

Most artful woodworkers challenge our notions of function — Jeff Baenen’s sculptural boxes are not just storage, they’re flowing, organic masterpieces that redefine craftsmanship.In this episode, Jeff shares how he transforms traditional woodworking into breathtaking sculptures, blending precision joinery with an artistic movement rooted in nature and architecture. Discover how a 20-year journey from refinishing furniture to creating intricate, heirloom-quality boxes culminated in designs that are as meaningful as they are mesmerizing.You'll learn about Jeff’s unique design process, from sketching on paper to visualizing in 3D, and how he challenges himself to breathe life into each piece. We break down his sculptural techniques, finishing secrets like Danish oil and steel wool, and his innovative mechanism-building for hidden surprises.Jeff’s work isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a meditation on patience, discipline, and storytelling. His pieces carry personal histories, from woods sourced on motorcycle trips to heirloom materials from family estates. Facing the challenge of carving exotic woods like Wenge or forming aluminum wings through hand-rolled metal, he demonstrates that mastery comes from curiosity, experimentation, and relentless dedication.Perfect for woodworkers craving a higher level of artistry, sculptors pushing boundaries, or anyone inspired by the beauty of craft intertwined with storytelling — this episode is a masterclass in elevating woodworking into fine art.Guest Jeff Baenen is a renowned wood sculptor and box maker whose work has been showcased in galleries and art shows nationwide. His precise blend of mechanics, organic forms, and storytelling challenges what woodworking can become.Tune in to unlock the secrets behind Jeff’s flowing forms, his artistic inspiration from architecture and insects, and how craftsmanship can transcend utility to become timeless art. If you’re passionate about pushing your creative boundaries and exploring the sculptural potential of wood, this episode is essential listening.And stay tuned — Jeff shares plans for his upcoming gallery and ideas for future projects that blend tech, nature, and art into new masterpieces. Hit play now and see how wood can evolve into organic, sculptural poetry.Follow Jeff Baenens Work here:Instagram: baenenboxesFacebook:  Jeff Baenen BoxesWebsite:  https://www.jeffbaenenboxes.com/ 

Unlock the secrets behind one of the most expressive, energetic styles in wood carving—bold caricatures with exaggerated open mouths that breathe life into every piece. Rod Gatlin, a master of storytelling through carving, shares his journey from a hobbyist to a renowned artist, revealing how embracing playful exaggeration and experimentation transformed his work—and can do the same for you.In this episode, you’ll discover how Rod’s signature open-mouth caricatures became his artistic hallmark, the playful techniques that bring emotional expression to life in wood, and how to leverage simple tools like Butt Heads to practice dynamic faces fast. Through candid stories, Rod emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and community—highlighting that the greatest growth often happens when we collaborate and learn from others.We break down specific tactics: how to carve humorous caricatures, the importance of starting with rough outs, and the art of exaggeration in proportion and expression. Plus, Rod shares insights on his experience with carving competitions, building a network of fellow carvers, and how to take your hobby to the next level with shows like the Charlotte Woodcarvers event—where thousands of carvings, acclaimed judges, and lively competitions create a festive hub of creative energy.Why does this matter? Mastering playful exaggeration in caricatures unlocks a world of artistic freedom that keeps your work fresh and fun. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned carver looking to inject more personality into your creations, these insights will inspire you to push your style further and carve with confidence.Perfect for hobbyists eager to grow, experienced carvers chasing new techniques, and anyone wanting to add humor and storytelling to their portfolio—this episode is packed with practical tips, stories, and inspiration to jumpstart or reignite your carving journey. Don’t miss the chance to learn from a legend—listen now and start carving characters that truly speak!Rod Gatlin is a respected member of the wood carving community, known for his energetic caricatures and passionate teaching. His work exemplifies how playful experimentation and community involvement elevate your craft.Follow Rod Gatlins work & The Charlotte Woodcarvers Instagram - @ Gatlinrwhttps://www.charlottewoodcarvers.com/0:00 - Introduction by Michael Gurrado0:29 - Discussion on Rod's journey into wood carving1:32 - Rod talks about his first carving class experience3:02 - The community aspect of wood carving4:12 - Rod's first carving projects5:45 - Learning from Helen Gibson and joining the Charlotte Woodcarvers Club7:56 - The importance of hands-on experience9:42 - Developing a unique caricature style10:01 - Demonstration on open mouth carvings11:28 - Practicing expressions with small wood pieces12:49 - The joy of caricature style14:46 - Carving bowls and spoons18:40 - Challenges in spoon carving22:12 - Rod's daily carving routine23:48 - The impact of painting on carvings24:28 - Overview of the Charlotte Woodcarvers Show30:46 - Rod's involvement with the Charlotte show31:45 - The show's reputation and raffle33:00 - Using technology to promote wood carving35:10 - Michael's carving journey37:25 - Exploring different carving styles39:07 - Managing inspiration and burnout41:46 - Drawing skills in caricature carving45:47 - Proportions in caricature carving46:23 - Adding detail to caricatures49:32 - Advice for new carvers50:26 - Conclusion and show promotion

In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with Marika and Sara — the creative force behind Estrapalla Woodworking — to talk about their journey from passionate makers to building a recognizable and growing woodworking brand.Over the years, they’ve developed a bold, layered style that continues to evolve — most recently through their exotic wooden sculpted butterflies that have captured attention across the woodworking community. Their work is instantly recognizable, detailed, and full of intention.But this episode goes beyond the finished pieces.We talk about how Estrapalla began, how their skills developed over time, what it takes to grow creatively while building a business, and the discipline required to stay consistent in a competitive maker space.If you're a woodworker, artist, or creative entrepreneur trying to level up your craft and your brand — this conversation is for you.Be sure to check out Estrapalla Woodworking and follow their journey.Check out Estrapala's work (links below) www.estrapalawoodworking.comInstagram and Facebook - Estrapala Woodworking

In this episode of the Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with woodcarver Tom Par to talk about the art of character carving and what it takes to bring personality to life in wood.Tom’s work is instantly recognizable for its expressive faces, playful style, and strong sense of character. We talk about how he developed his carving style, what inspires his work, and the process of turning a simple block of wood into something full of personality.We also dive into Tom’s journey as a maker, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the importance of enjoying the creative process.Whether you're a woodcarver or simply someone who appreciates handmade art, this conversation offers insight into the craft and mindset behind character carving.Follow Tom and check out his work:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_par?igsh=bGF4cjE2eWNuNWRk&utm_source=qrYouTube:https://youtube.com/@asmalladventure?si=5h3GpkXUJn5BL61sEtsy:https://tomupar.etsy.comTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@_tompar?_r=1&_t=ZN-94QexVR5NLy

In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with character carver Jonathan Creason to talk about bringing personality to life in wood.Jonathan is known for his expressive character-style carvings packed with incredible detail and emotion. We dive into how he developed his carving style, his approach to capturing lifelike expressions, and the intentional cuts that turn a simple block of wood into a piece full of personality.We also talk about his YouTube journey, sharing the carving process online, and what he’s currently working on.If you’re interested in carving expressive faces, developing your own style, or learning how to share your craft with the world, this episode is for you.Be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a fellow carver.Please follow Jonathans Journey (links below) YouTube- https://youtube.com/@jonathancreasonwoodcarvingEtsy-https://creasonwoodcarvings.etsy.comInstagram-@jonathan_creason_woodcarving

In Episode 3 of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I’m joined by Noah Head, the artist behind WhittlersGreen and his unmistakable collection of Sasquatch carvings.Noah’s Bigfoot pieces are instantly recognizable — full of personality, character, and a style that stands out the moment you see them. But developing a signature look like that doesn’t happen overnight.In this episode, we talk about:How his carving journey beganWhy Sasquatch became such a central theme in his workHow he developed his distinct carving styleInfluences and inspiration behind his piecesBuilding an online presence in today’s carving worldStaying consistent while continuing to evolve creativelyWhat he’s currently working on and what’s nextWhat stands out about Noah isn’t just the quality of his carvings — it’s his consistency and willingness to keep experimenting. He represents what modern woodcarving can look like today: creative, community-driven, and always pushing forward.If you enjoy the episode, share it with another carver and follow Noah to see more of his legendary Sasquatch creations.You can follow Noah's work herehttps://www.instagram.com/whittlersgreen/?hl=en

In this episode of the Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with woodcarver Cody Bonham, the artist behind Block & Knife. What started as a shared passion for carving eventually turned into a friendship, and in this conversation we talk about the journey from carvers to friends.Cody is known for his instantly recognizable ghost carvings, but behind the work is a deeper story about developing a style, staying consistent, and finding your place in the woodcarving community. We talk about how Cody got started, how his signature ghosts came to life, and what it takes to keep creating and evolving as a maker.This episode is a relaxed and honest conversation about carving, creativity, and the connections that form when people share the same craft.If you're a woodcarver, maker, or someone who simply loves the process of creating things by hand, you'll enjoy this conversation.Follow Cody and his work:Instagram: @block_and_knife  https://www.instagram.com/block_and_knifeFacebook: Block and Knife Crafts www.facebook.com/blockandknifecraftsEtsy: www.etsy.com/shop/BlockandKnife

In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I’m breaking down five of the most common mistakes beginner woodcarvers make — and more importantly, how to avoid them.When I first started carving, I made just about every mistake in the book. From choosing the wrong wood to rushing projects and getting frustrated with slow progress, I learned the hard way that carving is a craft built on patience, repetition, and smart fundamentals.Today we’re talking about:Choosing the wrong wood speciesUsing dull tools (and why sharpness changes everything)Trying to carve too detailed, too soonComparing your work to advanced carversGiving up when projects don’t go as plannedIf you’re new to woodcarving — or even if you’ve been carving for a while — this episode will help you build better habits and avoid the setbacks that can slow your progress.Woodcarving isn’t about perfection. It’s about steady growth, adapting when things go wrong, and learning to enjoy the process.If this episode helps you, share it with another carver and leave a review — it helps the show grow and reach more people in the carving community.

In this very first episode of The Modern Woodcarver, I share the story of how my woodcarving journey began — with a simple wood spirit carved from a block of mahogany and a YouTube tutorial.What started as curiosity quickly became something much deeper. Woodcarving has brought me joy, focus, and a creative outlet that challenges me to slow down, reflect, and grow. It’s taught me patience. It’s taught me how to handle mistakes. And most importantly, it’s connected me to an incredible community of talented carvers around the world.In this episode, I talk about:Why I chose a wood spirit for my first projectWhat carving has taught me about patience and persistenceHow I approach mistakes and adapt when things don’t go as plannedWhat you can expect from this podcast moving forwardWhether you're an experienced carver, just getting started, or simply curious about the craft, I hope this episode inspires you to pick up a knife, embrace the process, and enjoy the journey.Welcome to The Modern Woodcarver.