Graber Insealators hired Rob to create an Icynene carving for the Building Industry Association (formerly Homebuilders Association of Louisville) Day at the Downs during Derby week.  This carving was carved from spray foam insulation with fish filet knives and utility knives, then painted.

Attended the 15th Annual Ridgway Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous in February. During the week, enjoyed carving with 200 carvers from around the world, attending seminars, and completed a 6.5 ft Captain Morgan Spiced Rum bottle. Yes, it was cold.

The Captain Morgan bottle was purchased by the Benezette Hotel, Benezette, PA at the Ridgway Rendezvous end of show auction.
 

Check out the new home for Captain Morgan.

I have just completed a 70 hour project for the St. James Court Homeowners Association (HOA).  I was given the commission to turn a 15′ tall 100 year + old oak stump into a carving.  After making a presentation to the HOA complete with my idea and drawings for a Victorian lamplighter and gas lamp I was awarded the job.  In addition to the 70 hours of on site work I produced a half size sculpture to practice and work out some design features.  I am very grateful for this opportunity to complete a project in such a highly visible area.  Thousands are viewing the carving now during the St. James Court Art Festival.  Regular tours are conducted in the area due to the wonderful Victorian homes in the area.  This was a very special experience and the reviews have been good.

In late June of 2013 I participated in the National Road Chainsaw Carving Festival in Addison, PA.  This festival is held in the mountains near Ohiopyle and Youghiogheny Lake.  The town is small, but the people really go all out to make the carvers feel welcome.  I was joined by my wife Sharon, daughter Marie, brother and sister-in-law Terry and Diana at a rental home on the banks of the Youghiogheny River.  I was able to carve an owl family and a commission piece (see picture) for a family whose removed tree was used in the festival.  I happened to select their tree and offered to carve for them. They wanted a boy fishing (Huck Finn style).  The 50/50 auction at the end of the show was a great opportunity to pick up carvings at great prices.  Not as profitable for the carvers, but I had the commission and sold 4 carvings to the owners of a seafood restautant in Maryland en route to NJ.  I sold 4 more carvings in NJ while visiting my Mother and sister Susan and her husband Joe.