Christian Carvings 3
Biblical themes are my passion. Since I started carving in 1975, I've had the heart desire to carve scriptures. It seems to me that wood is the perfect medium to carry the message that has endured for countless generations, that "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son...".
So far I have managed to carve scores of scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. As my skills increased I've taken to portraiture in an attampt to depict the various characters of scriptures and their place in the redemptive plan of God. The Bible provides unlimited resource for carving.
Processional Cross
Hosanna Lutheran
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
13" x 21" x 2"
Click the image at the left to view more images and a description of the carving.
Portrait of Jesus
European Steamed Beech
17" diameter
Click the image at the left to view more images and a description of the carving.
Click the image at the left to view more images and a description of the carving
Luther's Rose (aka Luther's Coat of Arms)
30" diameter
Silver (soft) Maple 2" thick
Painted with acrylics and top-coated with sanding sealer.
The phrase carved around the rose was Martin Luther's way of summarizing the message of scriptures. We are "saved by grace alone, by faith alone, through scriptures alone."
Click the image at the left to view more images and a description of the carving
Hebrews 12:1
19" x 24"
Hard Maple, 2" thick
Base-coated with sanding sealer and top coated with hardwood floor wa
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2 Chronicles 2:5-6
19" x 32"
European Steamed Beach, 2" thick
Base-coated with sanding sealer and top coated with hardwood floor wax.
Click the image at the left to view more images and a description of the carving
Mary: Mystical Rose
16" x 23"
Cherry, 2" thick
Base-coated with sanding sealer and top coated with hardwood floor wax. The smooth surfaces of this carving were achieved entirely with hand tools. No sanding was used.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus (the Messiah) has long been venerated as a woman of strength and purity. Over history artists have depicted her using various images to speak to her purity and strength... among these being flowers such as the Rose and the Calla Lily.
The Calla Lily produces such a beautiful white flower, with a subtle shape and satin smooth surface. It has become a symbol of moral purity.
The rose, in all its forms - including the simple 5-petal variety used in this carving - symbolizes purity, hope and strength in the midst of suffering. A red rose would speak to the shed blood of Mary's son, Jesus. A white rose would reinforce the idea of purity.
The thorny branches speak to the suffering Mary endured seeing her eldest son crucified and a common criminal. The green leaves of the rose plant speak of the hope of eternal life - resurrection as God's remedy to death.
To see another photo of this carving in opposite lighting click here.
To see the photo of the model for this carving click here.
Click the image at the left to view more images and a description of the carving
Ezekiel 37: Valley of the Dry Bones
White Birch, 2" thick
Base-coated with sanding sealer and top coated with hardwood floor wax. The smooth surfaces of this carving were achieved entirely with hand tools. No sanding was used.
To see a galleryof photos for this carving click here.
The prophet Ezekiel reflects on the vision of the valley of dry bones which God is revealing to him. It is a vision of the restoration of the nation Israel - considered dead - into a nation that lives again. On May 14, 1948 this prophecy came true.