Snow Cottage Carvings
by Dave Francis
(Pictured Above Dave Francis)
Seven hours drive east of Vancouver B.C. Canada,
in the West Kootenay town of Castlegar, is situated the
wood-carving studio of
Dave Francis.
Since November of 1992, when Dave first picked up a knife and started
wood-carving, the demand for these
hand-made figurines has not slowed down.
Totally self-taught and with an immense desire to learn this age-old art form,
Dave plunged in with both feet and the response has been overwhelming. With an
art background in school and 20 years experience as a hairstylist, Dave has
been able to transport ideas from his head, to the paper, to the
wood. "You
have to be able to visualize the finished product in your head before you even
begin the piece", says Dave. "I could not draw to save my life, but somehow
I'm able to carve the idea into the
wood."
Dave's
wood-carvings are now on every continent in the world (with the
possible exception of Antarctica). People from every corner of the world have
added these figurines to their collections. One Chicago area collector has
bought numerous
carvings, sight unseen, to add to her display. "The thing that
makes me the most happy about
carving these figurines is the ability you have
to put a smile onto someone's face when they see them, that is a very
wonderful feeling."
With the loving support of his family, Dave will continue to share his artwork
with the public.
