A master carver of walking sticks, canes, and guitars.
The Oak Forge was started quite accidentally. I fell &
twisted my leg just days before a long planned & greatly anticipated
hike. Necessity being the mother of invention, I carved a staff for
support. Because a number of people complimented me on the staff, I
started carving them for my friends and family. This eventually led to
my carving staffs and walking sticks for others who asked.
Many years later an owner of one of my pieces requested that I carve his
electric guitar. The guitar was given a swamp theme, with a turtle,
salamander, frog and snake on it. The results can be viewed on this
page.
I carve in a style that I call northwest primitive. It is a combination
of the French iconoclastic carving style brought to the United States by
French trappers and missionaries and the northwest Native American totem
style. Bold deep lines and stylized representations of the subject
characterize this style. I hand mix stains in order to achieve a
subdued effect, which
allows the wood grain to show through. Out of respect for nature I use
only naturally fallen wood for the staffs & walking sticks.
Each piece is unique, and custom designed for the intended owner. I
will spend time discussing the overall theme with the owner, but the
wood will dictate the final design.
Terry Murphy
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