Читать книгу Complete Guide to Soap Carving - Janet Bolyard - Страница 8

Beginning at an early age I had a passion for art. In fifth grade in Arkansas City, Kansas (a few moons ago) we had a traveling art teacher who would teach us various projects each week. I always looked forward to this time, because it always made me very happy and it gave me a chance to express myself. Moreover Ms. Perkins was very inspiring. I began to dream of teaching art someday myself. One day, the project she had for us was to sculpt something from a bar of Ivory soap. My first soap carving was a poodle, because that was our family pet. I was so proud of myself because my soap poodle took first prize in the class. My lifelong passion for carving began that day. I still have that feeling of happiness inside me every time I carve.

My portrait, in airbrush

My mom liked to draw and pursued it for a while before she handed her books over to me. During the summers, she would sign me up for park and recreation programs that were mostly focused on art. Later on in life I found out that my maternal grandfather had been quite a metal fabricator, working in the roundhouse for Rock Island Railways. So it became clear where my love of art and creating originated. Along with my family background, all of the encouragement I have received from my art teachers and family, both then and now, has brought me to my successes today. I have been very blessed to be mentored and encouraged by many renowned woodcarvers from all over the country.

My love for teaching carving came after my 25-year career managing physicians’ offices. My husband’s career brought us back to Arizona, where I planned on continuing my career in healthcare until retirement. But . . . an opportunity popped up. I found out there was a Woodcraft store near me, so I thought it would be a great time to take a break from unpacking boxes and check it out. To make a short story shorter, they just happened to be looking for a sales representative/woodcarving instructor. I was super excited! I asked my husband, Jon, what he thought of the idea, and you know how woodworking tools (especially power tools) make men smile. He’d been dreaming of a new band saw, and my new job could help make that dream come true. My own dream of teaching woodcarving and learning more about woodworking was about to become reality as well. He said yes (of course) and has been very supportive of my woodworking adventure. And yes, he did get his band saw. So I’m proud to say I have been with Woodcraft for ten years now, which has given me the opportunity to teach woodcarving for a living and broaden my knowledge and skills in many aspects of woodworking.

My first project

Being an instructor makes me a better carver. To those of you who get the same opportunity, I say seize the day, go for it! There’s nothing better than introducing someone new to such a rewarding craft. It always gives me great pleasure to see a student create something entirely on his or her own and then continue growing in confidence and skill to do more challenging projects.

I’m very proud to have written Complete Guide to Soap Carving. I hope it inspires you!

Janet Bolyard

www.janetleecarving.com