HAPPY THANKSGIVING.... OCTOBER 1997 |
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING.... OCTOBER 1997 |
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Association Executive Committee Chairpersons
President Wilson Crowell 829-3446 Newsletter Roger Beaupre 434-4123
Library Doug Gregory 469-7641
Vice President Carl Purcell 466-3024 Workshops Ed Dawson 883-1364
Phone Ross McKenzie 829-3328
Treasurer Brian Galletly 469-0354 Membership Brian Galletly 469-0354
Secretary Richard Bone 469-0172 Publicity Alan Dorey(902)757-3670
Competition Ed Dawson 883-1364
From the President:
Hello, I hope this time of year puts everyone head first into carving. There are a couple of good shows coming this fall, on being the Atlantic Winter Fair which will be elaborated on by Dick Bone later on in this newsletter.
What I really would like to discuss is a show competition put on by the Canadian Woodworkers magazine. The editor Craig Blois, in conjunction with the NSWLC&AA is trying to start a good fall competition. He will have $50.00 prizes for all first place winners. This price will increase as the number of competitors grows. There will also be second and third place ribbons and Honorable Mentions.
The entry fee is $5.00 per
piece and the show competition will be at Exhibition Park on the Prospect
Rd. November 14, 15 and 16, with judging on the 15th at 1:00
p.m.. Carvings are to be delivered on the 14th and remain until
after 5:00 p.m. on the 16th. There are three categories in which
to participate:
1. Carving in the round;
2. Relief carving; and
3. Wood turning.
All profits from the competition go to the I.W.K Hospital for Children.
This is a good show with thousands
of serious woodworking fans. I hope to see you there. The judges
for the first two categories will be Marg Crowell and I.
Sincerely
Wilson
From the Library:
Summer is just about over and I'm starting to see members again looking for patterns and ideas for new projects or just trying to find reference material to finish old ones.
If you are new to the club or simply haven't dropped by for a while, the club maintains a library of more than 125 books and 40 videos. We also have a number of study bird castings and study bills which can be a big help to new carvers having trouble visualizing three dimensions.
The library is located at 26 Richards Dr. in Dartmouth, telephone (902) 469-7641. There is generally someone home in the evenings and on weekends, but its best to call first to make sure.
We provide a mail service for our out-of-town members with members responsible for mailing costs. The loan period for all materials is two weeks, or three weeks if you are from outside metro.
Finally, we are always looking for new material. If you come across anything that you think the library should have, let me know and we'll make every effort to obtain it.
Doug Gregory
Library
Thanks to the people at the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Culture, NSWCAA has found a permanent home for its web site. (see the Spring '97 newsletter.)
The new address is http://www.EDnet.ns.ca/educ/culturepages/nswcaa/nswcaa.html. For the next few months the former site will direct you to the new one, so you have plenty of time to change your bookmark.
Since putting the site up in April we've been getting about 100 visitors a month and our membership chairman informs us we've had our first new member through the WWW registration form. In case you missed our competition, you can see photos of the various Best of Show winners.
Open Air Meeting 10 Sept.
The meeting of the 10th of September had to be held outdoors because the Dartmouth Players canceled their performance that evening, resulting in the building closure. We had booked the space. However, we were forgotten. It was rescheduled for 17 September.
Discussions from the meeting:
... The president advised that there will be a competition during the Atlantic Wood Show to be held on the 14 &16 Nov.
... Balance on hand was $8245.07
...The association will take part in the RV Show in March 1998.
...The association now has a free web site, the address is listed above.
...The Newsletter editor is producing his last work of art and needs a replacement.
...The president encouraged more participation in the Association. No participation means no club.
...Newsletter information is to be solicited from the Truro and Bridgewater Chapters.
...Sherman Hines wants to do a show on wildlife carvings from our Association. His gallery is in Liverpool. Perhaps the Bridgewater group can take this on.
...Our judge for the 1998 Competition will be Victor Paroyan. He will also provide a seminar which will cost those attending.
...Publicity has been taken over by Alan Dorey, many thanks to Alan for coming forward.
...A letter of thanks was received from the Halifax County Exhibition for the display and demo put on by Dick Bone and Wilson Crowell. They were also invited back for 1998.
...Last but not least it got so dark that we had to adjourn.
The following dates have been booked for Wednesday
Meetings and Saturday workshops at Crichton Ave Community Center.
Sat. 20 Sept.
Sat 18 Oct.
Sat. 15 Nov.
Wed. 10 Dec. Meeting
Sat. 17 Jan. Roy O'Brian - Raptors
Sat. 21 Feb Ron Gagnon - Songbird head carving.
Wed. 11 Mar. Meeting
Wed. 8 Apr. Meeting
Sat. 18 Apr.
Wed. 13 May Annual Meeting
Wed. 10 June
The following dates have been requested for Akerly Campus:
Wed. 8 Oct 1997
Wed 12 Nov. 1997
Wed. 14 Jan 1998
Wed 11 Feb .1998
These dates have yet to be confirmed by Akerly Campus.
We have been requested to provide a display and demo for the Atlantic Winter Fair which runs on the following dates:
3, 4, 5 Oct. 1997
11, 12, 13 Oct.1997
17, 18, 19 Oct. 1997
The same people go to this event every year and are
very well received by the public and fair managers. Can
we have some new blood, Please!!!!! If you are shy go
with one of the, "Old Hands"!!
Meeting Sept 17th 1997
Chaired by The President Wilson Crowell
A discussion was held as to how we can get the Open Class carver to participate in the Competition and other activities of the Association.
The President is going to call the open class carvers and see if there is anything that the Assoc. can do to get them more active in the Assoc. and more willing to participate.
A discussion was held to decide what we should do at the Wednesday Carve together at the Vocational School.
It was decided that we would hold another session like last year. This year we would get four of our members to help or guide the carving of a Greenwing Teal Drake.
Patterns of Pat Godin's Greenwing Teal Drake are available from B.T. Carving & Supply, at no charge, also Cut Outs are available at a cost of $26.00 for cut out- 9mm brown eye, HST is all included (regular price of cut out only is 26.95 + tax)for a total saving of $37.70.
The members that are going to guide us through the carving are as follows: Wilson Crowell, Fred Kendall, Dan MacLean, Carl Purcell.
Respectfully Submitted
Brian Galletly Acting Sect.
Membership Report
We have 224 members on our books for the 1997 & 1998 season.
To date we have 51 members paid up for the coming year.
It is time to renew your membership for the new year that began on September ,1, 1997. We keep you on the books until Dec. 31, but don't leave it to the last minute. Because it tends to slip our mind and you start to loose out on the News letters and the telephone calls letting you know when the meeting is.
PLEASE send in your membership dues at you earliest opportunity so as not to miss out on any of the association benefits.
Wanted....
A Carving Donation for the Raffle.
Proceeds from the raffle go toward the show and competition.
Contact Dan McLean
Volunteers to assist with publicity, fund raising,
show and Competition. No experience necessary, helpfulness
an asset. Contact Ed Dawson.
P.E.I. Carving Competition
Thanks to the NSWC&AA the 1st P.E.I. carving competition was a hit. Approximately 125 pieces were entered and judged by Jim Edsall of
Moncton N.B. Best of show was won by Earl and Sheila Young of Grand Pre Nova Scotia, with a Surf Scooter. The weather was great and hospitality a hit, but those beaches are the best!
Thanks to Cameron Ross et al, a fine job on their
1st annual carving competition.
Don't forget about the 3rd Atlantic Wood Show, &
Woodworking Competition at Exhibition Park. November 14 to 16th.
Categories are:
Carving in the round;
Relief carving; and
Wood turning.
There will be a painting seminar held on the 14th of May 1998. This will be given by our competition judge Victor Paroyan at a cost yet to be determined. The price should be available by December newsletter.
An Associated Press story originating from North Carolina about duck decoy carving helps revive fond memories of bygone days here in Nova Scotia.
It is a reminder of the long gone days when duck hunting was not a form of recreation but a means by which a family was fed. The practice was well known in Nova Scotia where, in many a coastal community, a fresh duck was the only change from the spartan fare of winter.
Among the accoutements of the duck hunter were decoys, likenesses of the birds which were floated on a quiet cove to attract the real birds ion their overflights. Carving the decoys and painting them to resemble the living creatures was a skill which occupied many a spare minute at a time of year when activity was limited.
The undertaking often began with a straight grained piece of wood, which was rough shaped with an axe and given its final form with the deft carvings of a chisel or pocket knife. Painting was determined by the type of duck it was hoped to harvest.
The scarcity of decoys today may be attributed to the fact that the objects were seldom saved from one season to another. Usually they were discarded, perhaps burned in the stove.
The decoys, however, are a real treasure and have become popular collector items commanding substantial prices even for those presently carved which, because of their shortage lack authenticity.
Duck decoys are an important form of folk art, suggestive of the skills of long ago. For that reason alone, they are deserving of attention and preservation. They also have a scientific value for those interested in tracing the bird migration of bygone years.
Downcast Competition in Wells Maine
Five couples from the NSWCAA made the trek to Main
for the annual competition and show, held in Wells on 20th and
21st Sept. In addition, carvings for the competition from Thelma
Galletly and Dan MacLean were delivered by the A/M members. Those
visiting from the club were:
George German;
Ken Woods;
Ken Roche;
Gerry Simpson; and
Dick Bone.
Everyone stayed at the Wells -Ogunquit Resort Motel in Moody, about three miles from the competition site and were very well received and treated.
The Maine Club members were also staying at the hotel and this gave all the opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones.
The Saturday evening at the hotel was a bit soggy and cold during the lobster/steak/cornboil cookout. The mariners however had the foresight to erect a large canopy in case of poor weather, so we were mostly dry but a bit cool. All in all it was a great success.
The competition had 251 entries, with some very fine work on display. The pieces for the "International Competition", were designated by carvers before the competition. After the judging, the "INTERNATIONAL" ribbons were totaled- 3 points were awarded for a first, 2 for a second and one for third. The totals were compared between the two clubs and group with the high score won the competition Trophy.
As luck would have it, the N.S. Club won the competition by 3 points - we must be getting better!!
Ken Woods wants all to know that he won for both his Tern entries - he claims that, "One good Tern deserves another" All of the N.S. entrants won ribbons and had a very enjoyable visit. We expect a fair number of Mariners for our May show, and hope we can continue the winning trend.
Most of us left Maine a bit greener with our shopping
expeditions. I filled my gas tank for $15.00, compared to $30.00
in Nova Scotia. Can I be exported? Please!!!!
Dick Bone
Bridgewater Chapter Report
The Bridgewater Chapter is up and running for another year, with full participation by all members. Our Thursday evening meetings/carving sessions began September 11th 1997 with the Fall session scheduled to last 13 weeks. Following the Christmas break, we will schedule another 13 to 14 week session, taking us into mid April.
Currently we have 18 active members in our chapter with an average attendance of about 13 to 14.
Our format again this year is tailored to individual work, that is, everyone is working on his own piece, with some of the newer carvers receiving assistance from the more seasoned. This seems to be the more favored approach to the carving sessions as it affords everyone the opportunity to, 'do their own thing', with assistance as required.
There is some discussion of scheduling a workshop or two this season and bring in outside expertise to cover particular topics. There will be more on this topic as things develop.
Over the summer, carving activity in this area was generally quiet, as carvers pursued other interests such as only the beautiful South Shore can provide.
Several carvers participated in the Bridgewater Exhibition by putting on carving demonstrations as well as displaying completed pieces. This was a popular attraction for Fair visitors and it appears that we will be asked to attend in future years.
One of our members participated in the South Shore Festival of the Arts, giving demonstrations and displaying finished birds. That's all for now "from down the shore".......happy carving.
Pat Oldfield
Truro Chapter Report
At the time this newsletter was being written, the Truro Chapter had not yet gotten underway. I did however touch base with Margi Shaw and Gerald Gloade and they were expecting an article to be written about them in the local newspaper. Unfortunately it was unavailabe for the release of this issue but we may have it for the next. Thanks to Gerald Gloade for cleaning up the clubs' logo you see on the first page.
What is the deepest diving duck?
The Old Squaw is supposedly able to dive to depths of 200 ft.
Theme Bird - Northern Flicker
There are three color forms of Northern Flickers, two of these can be found in the Imperial Valley; the "Gilded" variant has yellow wing linings and prefers desert areas where the saguaro cactus serves as "tree cavity" nesting sites, while the more commonly seen "Red-Shafted" has reddish-pink wing linings and can be found in both urban and rural areas. The "Yellow-Shafted" variant is found east of the Rockies where it is also known as the "Yellowhammer". Usually alone, but I have seen as many as four together. They can be seen feeding on ants at the base of trees on campus or on the sides of trees like a woodpecker.
A chunky brown woodpecker that flashes bright colors under the wings and tail when it flies. Although it climbs trees like other woodpeckers, it also spends much time foraging on the ground, eating many ants. Its ringing calls and short bursts of drumming can be heard in spring almost throughout North America. Two different-looking forms occur: "Yellow-shafted" Flicker (east and north) and "Red-shafted" Flicker (west). A third form, the Gilded Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides) of the southwestern deserts, is now considered a separate species, per the July, 1995 American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds.
Field Marks
In flight, note the conspicuous white rump. This and the barred brown back mark the bird as a Flicker. Close up, it shows a black patch across the chest. Flight deeply undulating. Often hops awkwardly on the ground, feeding on ants. Two basic types are recognized: (1) "Yellow-shafted" Flicker: The northern and eastern form. Overhead, it flashes golden yellow under the wings and tail. Red crescent on nape; the male has a black mustache. (2) "Red-shafted" Flicker: The widespread western form. Similar to "Yellow-shafted," but wing and tail linings are salmon red. Both sexes lack red crescent on nape; male has a red mustache. Where ranges overlap (western edge of Plains) hybrids occur; these may have orange linings or a combination of characters.
Gilded Flicker (now a separate species): Resident in deserts of southeastern California (Colorado River), southern Arizona, Baja California. Wing and tail linings are usually yellow, but males have a red mustache. In essence, has head of "Red-shafted" and body of "Yellow-shafted."
Size
12-14" (30-35 cm)
Voice
A loud wick wick wick wick wick,
etc. Also a loud klee-yer and a squeaky flick-a, flick-a, etc.
Range
Tree limit in Alaska, Canada,south to Nicaragua.
Migration
"Yellow-shafted" Flickers
from Alaska and Canada are strongly migratory, traveling east
and south. Big flights move down Atlantic Coast in fall. "Red-shafted"
Flickers migrate shorter distances; some spread eastward onto
plains in winter. Gilded Flickers are permanent residents.
Habitat
Open forests, woodlots, groves,
towns, semi-open country. Also saguaros, deserts (Gilded Flicker).
With its wide range, from Alaska to Nicaragua, the flicker can
be found in almost any habitat with trees (or, in the Southwest,
giant cactus). Tends to avoid dense unbroken forest, requiring
some open ground for foraging. May be in very open country with
few trees.
Feeding
Diet: Mostly ants and other insects.
Probably eats ants more frequently than any other North American
bird. Also feeds on beetles, termites, caterpillars, and other
insects. Eats many fruits and berries, especially in fall and
winter, and eats seeds and nuts at times.
Behavior
Forages by hopping
on ground, climbing tree trunks and limbs, occasionally flying
out to catch insects in the air. Also will perch in outer branches
to eat fruits and berries.
Nesting
Males defend nesting territory
with calling, drumming, and many aggressive displays, including
swinging head back and forth, flicking wings open and spreading
tail to show off bright underside. Courtship displays mostly similar.
Nest: Site is cavity in tree or post (or in giant cactus), rarely in burrow in ground. Tree cavities usually in dead wood; pine, cottonwood, and willow are among favored trees. Cavity excavated by both sexes, typically 6-20' above ground, sometimes much higher (to 100' or more). No nest material other than wood chips in cavity.
Eggs: 5-8, sometimes 3-12. White. Incubation is by both sexes (with male incubating at night and part of day), 11-16 days.
Young: Both parents feed young, by regurgitation. Young leave nest about 4 weeks after hatching, are fed by parents at first, later following them to good foraging sites. 1 brood per year, or 2 in south.
Conservation
Although still abundant and widespread,
recent surveys indicate slight declines in population. Starlings
compete with flickers for freshly excavated nesting sites, may
drive the flickers away.
These excerpts were taken from "The Birds of North America", written by William S. Moore
Registration will be between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. on Friday, May 15th 1997. Prepaid Registration will be accepted from 1 May to 14 May 1998. All prepaid work must be at Cole Harbor Place no later than 1/2 hour before judging begins. Judging will commence at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 16 (tentative). Entries will be critiqued by the judge P.M. Sat. 16 May 1998 if time permits.
All entries for this competition must have been carved since our last competition in May 1997.
All entries must remain at the competition until closing of the show at 5:30 P.M. on 17 May 1997. A registration sheet must be shown to collect your work at the end of the show.
All carvings must be made by the registered carver or a 'designated team'. A Designated Team consists of two individuals, carver and painter, that worked together on a particular carving. Individuals can only belong to one designated team.
It is the responsibility of the entrant to select the correct category for their work and to check all confirmation slips to ensure their carvings have been correctly registered.
The competition committee will offer any assistance required in clarifying entries. In case of controversy, the competition committee will make the final decision.
All entries must be made of wood by the competition or carved and painted by a designated team, i.e., husband and wife, etc. Other material, glass eyes, cast feet or driftwood may be used however, any other casting will not be allowed. Materials for Gunning Decoys are covered below under, "Gunning Bird Rules." Once a carving is entered, it cannot be touched up or altered in any way.
NOTE - While all reasonable care will be taken with entries, NSWC&AA will not be responsible for loss or damage to entries. All entrants are responsible for the insurance of their entries at their own expense. Due to limited space, there will be no storage of boxes or other packing material at the competition site. Entrants are expected to remove all materials until they return to collect their entries after 5:30 P.M. Sunday, 17 May 97.
THEME BIRD -NORTHERN FLICKER All entries will be judged in their own species, class and category before being judged as Theme Bird. Therefore all categories will qualify (miniature, full body, decorative floating, gunning bird, sculpture, etc. if appropriate).
GUNNING BIRDS
- As in the past years there will be a Traditional Category to
show off the talents of the true Working Decoy Carvers. The Traditional
Birds will be judged after all of the classes have been completed
and will be awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons as well as
a plaque.
GUNNING BIRD RULES
1. All entries are to be hand made of materials normally considered suitable for working decoys, i.e., wood, cork, etc.
2. Decoys will be floated (except for 'stick decoys') and must self right from any position. Geese, Swans & other subspecies must self right from their side.
3. Burning or other fine texturing will NOT be allowed. Combing, blending and scratch painting are acceptable. Feather groupings, bill and eye detail, and elevated primaries will be allowed as long as they are durable.
4. Decoys will be judged with the emphasis on those species normally made as working decoys and best portray the essence of the species.
FLOATING DECORATIVE In order to make judging more interesting, we require at least five entries in a species to make a separate category. If there are less than five entries of a particular species, they will be grouped as listed on the Entry Form. If there are less than two entries in a category, this piece may be entered with other species. This will be determined by the Competition Committee. Every effort will be made to group these entries equitably. Floating Decorative for Open and Intermediate will be judged in the water tank. Floating of Novice pieces IS NOT MANDATORY. The judge will only consider the workmanship and essence of the species in his decision.
DECOY HEAD CARVING COMPETITION - will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. There is a $10.00 entry fee, which generates three cash prizes, ribbons and a trophy. The bandsawed head will be supplied. The competition is restricted to knives, gouges, chisels, rasps and sandpaper only. NO POWER TOOLS. Bring your own tools.
1998 GENERAL COMPETITION RULES
DATE: 15-17 May 1998
LOCATION: Cole Harbor Place, Forest Hills Parkway,Dartmouth, N.S.
ENTRY LEVELS
Generally considered as having attained top ranking in competition. | One whose work has established them at a level beyond Novice. | Considered to be at the entry level in competition. | A beginner carver under the age of 18. |
Level Advancement
See Question and Answer Section.
Chief Judge
The Competition Committee is pleased to announce that the Chief Judge for the competition will be Mr. Victor Parouyan.
George German will be judging the novice division.
The following listing should assist some members
in determining what category their pieces should be entered.
| Marsh Ducks | Diving Ducks | Geese,Swan, Confidence | Shorebirds |
Blackduck |
Bufflehead |
Brant | |
Blue-winged Teal | Canvasback | Geese |
|
Cinnamon Teal | Common Merganser | ||
Gadwall |
Eiders | ||
Green-winged Teal | Goldeneye |
||
Mallard |
Hooded Merganser | ||
Pintail |
Old Squaw | ||
Shovelers |
Red breasted Merganser | ||
Widgeons |
Redhead | ||
Wood Duck |
Ringneck | ||
Ruddyduck | |||
Scaup | |||
Scooter |
Miniatures
Decorative Miniature Wildlife will be
one half size or less. The Maximum length
of subject is 8 inches.
Note:
Many patterns are 1/2 or 3/4 size. There will be 'NO'
place in the competition for these sizes. They are to be as stated
above or full size.
Feather Carving and Youth Division
These were very popular in last years'
Competition and will be represented again this year.
All Wildlife
This category will not have any birds.
Questions and Answers
Question:
I like to relief carve using antler
and soapstone, are these materials acceptable to competition?
Answer:
NO, all carvings are to be made of wood. However, materials such as glass eyes, epoxy and plaster may be used in context of Habitat etc.
Question:(Level Advancement)
Often it is heard that when a person
wins a first in something, the immediate assumption is that you
must move into the next carving level (i.e., novice to intermediate).
Is this true?
Answer:
NO, the only mandatory advancements
are those that win Best of Show in their division (i.e., an intermediate
level carver who wins best of show is automatically and Open Class
carver in the next competition.
NOTE:
If a carver in Novice for example, feels he should be judged in
the Intermediate Division; there is no rule to prevent this from
happening. If members of the Competition Committee feel the
carver should be entering in an advanced level, the carver has
the right to accept or decline their suggestion providing he/she/they
has not previously won Best of Show in that division.
Conclusion
If a Carver uses the Ward Worlds' Rules
as a further guide, he or she would not be wrong in doing so.
Further competition information will follow with
each Newsletter.
DATE: 15-17 May 1998
Cole Harbor Place, Forest Hills Parkway,Dartmouth, N.S.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Please Type or Print
| LEVEL | YOUTH | NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | OPEN |
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Address:____________________________________
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