By Robert Doherty
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

 John Chase moved to Brooksby about four years ago. And on the day he moved he knew it wouldn’t be long before he visited the woodwork and hobby shop.  Carving is John’s passion and since he moved to Brooksby, he’s been able to do it a lot more. “No longer having to maintain a house, which took a lot of my time, I can now carve almost every evening. I rough out the carvings in the woodwork and hobby shop. I do the finish carving and painting in my apartment home,” says John.

‘I’ve Been Carving Ever Since’

John started carving over thirty years ago when his son-in-law gave him a copy of Yankee Magazine which featured a world carving contest in Maryland.  “I read about it, started carving and I was hooked ever since,” adds John.

The majority of John’s carvings are songbirds but he’ll tell you he doesn’t limit himself to that. “I have a song bird that was picked to be on the White House Christmas tree a few years ago. I believe it’s in the Smithsonian Museum now. I’m quite proud of that one.” says John.  “I also have another carving in a museum in Ohio that came out really nice.”

Carving Class

The maintenance-free lifestyle of Brooksby along with complete access to the wood shop has afforded John the opportunity to help others learn his hobby. “I teach a carving class on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I have about four students each day.” adds John. “Carving takes up most of my time.”