AbouT

• The Walcott

  When the Roman Empire under emperor Claudius expanded into Britain, they introduced advanced technologies. Locals were recruited as slaves, laborers, soldiers and miners, but more talented prospects were trained as skilled craftsmen including tile setters, smiths, masons, plumbers and such to support the new Roman industries and lifestyle.

  When Romans abandoned Britain, these craftsmen were viewed as collaborators. In the western city of Bath they were expelled from the city by the locals then in control. They took up residence and built cottages outside the city walls. To this day the “Walcot” district of Bath exists, from which my direct ancestors in name as well as a propensity for skilled crafts and the arts has descended. I claim also to retain the genetic disposition of my Paleolithic ancestors of the 'tool maker' clans from the dawn of human time, though this may be a bit harder to prove.

  Leveraging some acumen for academic pursuits, a Vietnam war era college draft deferment was secured until a high draft number enabled me to drop out completely and avoid military involvement in that “police action”. Otherwise the war in Viet Nam was not avoided. Drawn into the cultural turmoil of the times, the counter culture movements, internal conflict and general disruption, lives were changed and misdirected. Consider me a Vietnam war veteran who fought on the home front.

  A first career as journeyman carpenter building housing morphed into handyman/independent contractor. After working through college night classes and attaining a degree, a second career began in 1978 until retirement in 2012 doing computer stuff; operations, facilities, networking and infrastructure. This period included a series of my own “House Sculptures” enhancing my estate and to the benefit of two ex-wives.

  Wood carving became an obsession in the mid-90's as stress relief. Carving remains the focus of my artistic output and is enhanced by oil painting, drawing, photography, stone sculpture and wood joinery.

  Early focus on NW Indian totem images was based on an interest in anthropology. Carving has diversified. Traditional totem motifs are often included, but need to exist within my own creations. A wide variety of carvings include wildlife emphasis especially on birds and fish. Fanciful creations get weird, portraits, paleontology is included, boat models, knives, walking sticks, depictions of buildings and any other subjects of interest.

  Scrimshaw, the carving of images on ivory, is another passion. This medium is legitimately restrained by concerns for endangered species. Ivory carvings are made from old ivory such as salvaged piano keys or from legally collected ivory varieties from Alaska natives and from extinct mammoth ivory.

  Since locating to the San Mateo County coast in 1997, I have grown to appreciate the local artistic community on the Half Moon Bay Coastside.

  See my exhibit at the Coastal Arts league co-op gallery on Main Street Half Moon Bay.