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Wood Carving as Work, Hobby, and Lifestyle: A Carver’s Personal Story
Wood Carving as Work, Hobby, and Lifestyle: A Carver’s Personal StorySometimes the line between work, hobby, and lifestyle simply disappears. For me, that line vanished the moment I picked up my first carving knife and never came back. It all starts with the wood itself. Even when I’m just stocking up firewood for the winter, I constantly come across pieces that are too beautiful or too characterful to split. One day I found a log that looked exactly like a Canadian pirate from South Park. I couldn’t bring myself to chop it. Now this funny fellow lives with us, and I’m already planning to carve him a proper wooden tricorn hat. Not every piece needs to be a grand statue of an ancient deity.
After spending many hours working on complex images of gods — trying to capture both their ancient essence and how modern people feel and understand them — it’s incredibly satisfying to create something simple and light-hearted. For example, this headphone stand was made from an apple tree that grew in my own dacha. The fork and spoon are carved from pear wood. Small, everyday objects, yet each carries its own story and warmth.
Sometimes the wood fights back — and that’s when the real magic happens.
There are stubborn, gnarled pieces that refuse to be shaped easily. One such knotty chunk became this abstract little creature with a single watchful eye. It looks a bit strange, but carving it brought me pure joy.
There are stubborn, gnarled pieces that refuse to be shaped easily. One such knotty chunk became this abstract little creature with a single watchful eye. It looks a bit strange, but carving it brought me pure joy.
Another favourite is this kuksa (traditional wooden cup) made from an apricot tree that grew right by my house for many decades. It was hard to cut it down, but even harder to let it go to waste. Every piece I create carries a part of my life: the trees from my land, the logs I couldn’t burn, the moments of quiet pleasure in the workshop. Wood carving is no longer just what I do — it is how I live. I’m truly grateful that life somehow led me to this craft. And if you choose to bring one of my carvings into your home, I hope it will become more than just a decoration. I hope it finds its place not only on your shelf, but also in your heart. At least, I put a little piece of my soul into every single one — so that it can speak to you personally.