VAN KOOT, BILL

Bill van KOOT – Wood Sculptor

I began carving twenty years ago for two reasons – because the art form fascinated me and for relief from the stresses of work and the professional world. I am primarily self taught but initially took some classes to learn the basics and experience different methods. From chip carving to relief carving to caricatures and Santas, I would work on projects as I has the time. I began to tackle a few Wood Spirits on recycled hydro poles and pieces of wood that I found.

In November 2012, I found myself with more time on my hands due to corporate downsizing and more time to wander the woods behind our house and find pieces of fallen wood that interested me. Initially as a means once again of stress relief, I picked up my knives and began to carve. One day I came up from my shop with a piece to show my wife. “Did you know that you could do faces like that!?” she asked. My honest reply – “No”. As I worked to hone my skills, the hours would fly by and with encouragement from family, friends and people who saw my work, Caygeon Wood Spirits was born.

The learning never ends and I never know what will happen with a piece of wood when I begin to carve. I had never thought of myself as an artist and it has taken some doing to change my thinking. I find a huge amount of satisfaction and pleasure in the joy that others express when they are contemplating the perfect piece for themselves or as a gift.

Welcome to my world of happiness —

I truly hope that you can enjoy my work and look forward to any comments that you might have.
Enjoy.