Every time I open Bonsai Today issue 106 and lay my eyes on this wickedly powerful, dynamic old English yew, my mind does a little double take. It may not look exactly like anything you’ll see in nature, but it certainly jumps off the page. It’s by Kevin Willson, bonsai artist and deadwood carver extraordinaire. Photo by Simon Carr.
A labor of love
Yew wood is very hard. Harder than almost any other type of wood. In this light, take a look at the photo below and then at the photo above. Now imagine all that carving with only hand tools…. Okay, I’m kidding. Kevin used power tools. But still, it’s a labor of love (and considerable skill).
There’s much more
The sequence of steps that take us from what you see below to what you see above is covered in great detail in Bonsai Today issue 106. 13 pages of photos (38 in all) and informative text.
Before.
Getting started.
How about yew?
OKay. I know this pun is a little lame…. but if you are interested in deadwood carving (and why not?) we suggest you start with hand tools. Once you get the hang of it (there’s more than meets the eye) you can graduate to power tools.
Bonsai Today back issues are on sale at Stone Lantern for 54% off.
I ordered the draw knife and was disapointed that it was differant than the one pictured, wich has a substantial handle. The one I received was not as grippable.(if thats a word)
Hi John,
Which draw knife? I haven’t noticed a discrepancy, though it’s always possible.
More for John,
Anyway, if there’s a problem, we’ll make good.
Hi John D.
I just looked up your order. You are correct. The latest one we got from China is not the same as the one pictured. It’s shorter by over an inch, and the handle looks different. This is our oversight. Please take a 5 dollar discount on your next order. Just put in the comments that I said you could have it. It won’t show when you place the order, but we’ll take it off when we charge it. If this isn’t satisfactory, let me know.
Thanks for your patience and understanding
I had the great pleasure of watching Kevin Willson working live and I must say that, besides his talent, out of any doubt, he is quite ALSO a great showman, so if you have the chance, don´t miss one of his demonstrations or workshops.
Hi Al,
Thanks. Maybe one of these days I’ll get the chance to see Kevin in action.