About

Where It Started

Bill’s Great Uncle Martin was an extraordinary woodcarver, and the carving skill and desire live in Bill as well. Although he admired his great uncle’s work, he began his own artistry in wood only after his young daughter asked him to carve her a cat.

After that, he began carving human figures. He made a figure of his grandfather from a photo. He carved Merlin the Magician. And then he made some Father Christmases. 

Of German and Armenian heritage, Bill has always been a student of history, both personal and global. His Old World Santas especially reflect his roots and his deep study of the places where the real St. Nicholas began his kindly work.

Where It Went from There

Today in his studio at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina, Bill handcrafts many kinds of heirlooms. Although Old World Father Christmases were his first calling, Bill also carves other things–such as mantels, ornaments, newels, and doors–almost anything involving wood.

After teaching himself the art of carving, Bill added woodturning to his skills. His work (and his workspace) expanded: a small lathe followed by a much bigger one. He now turns offcuts and odd shapes and found wood into beautiful bowls and vases and unique art forms. 

Bill prefers to work with American Linden Wood (basswood) for carving, just as the Renaissance master carvers did. But he also works with white oak, red elm, Leyland cypress, magnolia, wild cherry, butternut, hickory, and other woods as well, especially for bowls and other woodturnings. And he uses only traditional tools–like gouges and planes and chisels.

Bill likes to say he rescues wood, creating art from the overlooked and discarded. For example, in his hands, the slats and legs of an outcast chair can become Christmas ornaments and nutcracker-inspired figurines. Trees that are taken down (urban forestry) are given new life in bowls, vases, and other creations.

Whether he begins with rescued wood or some he bought specially, he “thinks with it” a while. He enjoys finding in the wood–and bringing into being–the thing it was meant to be. Sometimes that bringing into being requires carving. Sometimes turning. Sometimes both.

How It Goes

Once the wood has spoken, Bill puts the first form to his carving ideas by hand roughing the wood or rough turning it on the lathe. After that, he works the piece with hand tools, giving each sculpture or architectural design a personality of its own. The pieces need no sanding because the carving tools, expertly handled, smooth the surface with gemlike facets. Then he thins artists oils to make stains that tint the wood while allowing the grain to show through.

If he is crafting a bowl or, say, a three-dimensional art piece, he works the rough form on a lathe with gouges, bringing its inherent shape forward. When the form is fully realized, he gives it several meticulous sandings and a rich coat of food-safe oil.

Both the carved and turned pieces get one last touch: a light sweep of beeswax, which when dry gets polished to lovely luster.

Whether carving or turning, Bill lets his imagination, his tools, and the wood connect to produce the distinctively Old World quality collectors have come to prize.

Where It Goes

Every piece is a one of a kind. All are signed and dated (and sometimes named). And every Father Christmas especially is bid a bittersweet farewell before he sets off on his journey.

Are you looking for a Christmas gift like no other? Bill’s Old World Santas bring with them the dignity and charm of the traditional Father Christmas legends and a pleasant aura of deep midwinter.

Want to give someone the essence of Christmas in miniature? Bill’s ornaments are so whimsical, they may come for Christmas and stay out all year.

Do you want to give a wedding gift that will stand the test of time and taste? Get the couple a one-of-a-kind bowl. Or something for their first Christmas. And more than fifth anniversaries can be celebrated with a gift from Bill’s collection.

Bill’s style has made his work a favorite of collectors with its originality, warmth, and sense of history. Own one of these art-in-wood pieces and it will be a family treasure for many generations to come.