Cynthia Schwartz
When Tom Wick bought his house in 2002, woodcarving was not on his mind. Only being able to visit on vacations, there was never any time for a hobby. However, in 2013, he thought that he would give woodcarving a try. Tom commented, “It just sounded like something fun to do. I went to the woodcarving room with my brother-in-law, Chuck Schuldt, and we learned to carve a spoon. After finishing a spoon, we started to take some of the classes to improve our carving skills.” Five years ago, Tom moved to PebbleCreek as a full-time resident. In those five years, Tom has carved about 80 pieces.
Woodcarving is not new to the Wick family. When Tom was growing up in Wisconsin, his father, using knives and other hand tools, would carve little Santas for family members. Now, Tom is carrying on the family tradition to carve Christmas gifts for members of his own family. His most recent creation is the infamous green Grinch, that he will give to Samantha, his son Tim’s girlfriend. Over the years, Tom has carved many Santas. “My favorite Santa was the Dancing Santa. Santa was on a base and there was a crank. When the crank turned, Santa danced up and down.”
In addition to Santas and other Christmas gifts, Tom likes to carve Kachinas, Northwest Indian masks, and flutes. “I like to carve Basswood. It’s a little heavier than Tupelo and a little more forgiving. If I carve any Northwest Indian piece, however, I use Western Red Cedar.”
Tom has also taught woodcarving classes, including a beginner’s class, masks, and a variety of Kachinas. The PebbleCreek Woodcarving Club thanks Tom for volunteering in the club and mentoring many beginning woodcarvers.