Nice to meet you, I’m the Twigman.
Why I’m here
In 2013, my wife, Shelley, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a neurodegenerative condition that impairs your ability to move, think, and speak. My father is also afflicted by this insidious disease. My goal with my carvings is to build an inventory that can one day be auctioned as a fundraiser for Parkinson’s research. So before you ask - no, I don’t sell my carvings. I’m saving them for a cause close to my heart.
Us and our kids
But you can call me Dave. I’m a carver with a deep interest in wildlife art. What started as an informal hobby making wooden decorations for my family’s cabin is now a full time gig, and I’ve spent the last decade building my artistic craft. Most of my work is made from wood, but I recently branched out into soapstone carving, too.
I have two objectives with my work: one is to make an inanimate piece of wood or stone look alive, and the second is to have people say “holy crap does that ever look real”.
Inspired by emotion
Emotions are at the heart of my carvings. My artwork is conceived from the simple question: what will make someone react? Whether it’s laughter, awe, surprise, or disgust, I love to see my art elicit emotion.
Oh, and why the “Twigman” do you ask?
It’s a nickname I earned in my rugby playing days. I’ve got damn skinny ankles.
Shelley and I in 2021