< Back to Partners page

Studio:
Located at Village Artisan Gallery where you will find Gay carving her whimsical characters, as well as be able to purchase them.

717-249-1079

villageartisansgallery.com

Gay Foltz, Folk Art Woodcarving
Carlisle, PA

Make 'em Laugh - carved box, 7x4x3 What Bird? - 9x3x4 Elwood - tree fungus, paperclay, zelkova tree branch, 9x10x5 Ganoderma The Seeker - tree fungus, paperclay, driftwood, 16x8x6

I started carving in the mid-1980's as an apprentice to my uncle Rey Bjurstrom. Much of my work embraces the whimsical nature of animals and human figures, carved in a traditional manner. First, I draw a pattern, cut a blank on a band saw, carve using a gouge and mallet and a knife. Some of these carvings become boxes…the mouth opens and you can hide your treasures inside.

Another method of carving for me is to use found pieces of wood, a branch or woody tree fungus. With these natural pieces I create as I go along without a set idea of what it will look like.

Creating is an integral part of my being, as natural as breathing, eating and sleeping. Whimsical things make me giggle and they make other people happy. Conversations with children and illustrations in children's books are a source of inspiration. Dreams and daydreams are fertile grounds as well.

_____________

Gay is a juried member of the PA Guild of Craftsmen and a member of the Yellow Breeches Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. Her and her work has been featured on HGTV's That's Clever, WITF's Explore PA, and in several magazine and newspaper articles.