 |
| Barry Simpson |
|
Thank you for visiting my site and taking time to browse through
my online portfolio. My name is Barry Simpson. I live with my family just a few
miles from Gatlinburg, TN
in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
I studied architecture at Memphis
State University,
but was side tracked when a friend presented me with my first set of carving
tools. From the moment I carved my first piece, I knew I had found my life's
work. I have been carving mantels and other architectural accessories since
1979 and have been a professional member of National Woodcarvers Association
for over 20 years. My philosophy is to let each piece carved be better than the
last.
As one of the featured artists/carvers in MOUNTAIN HANDS - A
Portrait of Southern Appalachia BY Sam Venable (Published by the University of Tennessee Press/Knoxville in 2000) you will find additional information about me. I am quoted
as saying, "I tend to fall back on my early art training. If I can draw
something, I can carve it."
My wife, watercolorist Patricia Simpson and I are living our
dream: carving and painting in a peaceful valley, framed by ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains.
|
 |
| Earl Weeks |
|
Associate carver, Earl Weeks, has been a part of Simpson Woodcarving since the early 1980's. A native to the Great Smoky Mountains, his heritage includes what he calls a "woodsy life", from cutting timber to a hobby in woodcarving, and then turning that hobby into a career. Truly a spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains, master woodcarver, Earl Weeks has been carving spirit faces, three dimensional wood sculptures, and relief carving like those seen in our Gallery for over 25 years. Earl says that he will be carving, "as long as these two hands are fit to use."Barry and Earl have taught wood carving classes in Maryville, Townsend, and Rugby, Tennessee. They are available to teach classes depending on their carving schedule.Each piece you see on this site is hand carved. Primarily in basswood, (other woods are available) some of these are samples of standard designs and some are custom pieces that were designed and carved to reflect the customer's individual personality and preference. I hope you will enjoy browsing the site and will come back often.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the carvers.
|
Copyright of designs and art appearing on this site are the property of the carvers and artists. Please do not copy their work without express written consent of the carver or artist.
|
|