26 Years of Character Carving Lessons with Jim Hiser

26 Years of Character Carving Lessons with Jim Hiser

Character carving is a craft built on years of practice, observation, and learning when to follow the rules—and when to break them.

In this episode of The Modern Woodcarver Podcast, I sit down with Jim Hiser, longtime character carver, instructor, rough-out maker, and member of the Caricature Carvers of America (CCA).

With 26 years of experience, Jim shares the lessons he's learned along the way and the journey that took him from furniture and cabinet work to becoming deeply involved in the world of character carving.

We talk about the class that changed the direction of his carving, the mentors who influenced him, and why even experienced carvers should never stop learning.

Jim also shares his thoughts on:

• Using rough-outs vs. starting from cutouts or your own designs

• Understanding anatomy, proportions, posture, and body language in caricature

• Developing your own style as a character carver

• Using clay and sketches to work through ideas before carving

• Knives, tools, sharpening, and finding what works for you

• Teaching woodcarving and helping newer carvers improve

• What the CCA looks for in potential members

• How the CCA promotes and preserves character carving

• Keeping woodcarving enjoyable without turning your hobby into a grind

Whether you're new to character carving or you've been carving for years, Jim offers plenty of practical advice and perspective gained from more than two decades behind the knife.

If you enjoy conversations with woodcarvers, artists, toolmakers, and the people helping keep the craft alive, subscribe to the channel and join us for future episodes.

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