Places I have taught

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ARTIST•Sculptor•Woodcarver

575-751-0620
TAOS, NEW MEXICO

Carved Golden Eagle Feather in American Maple by T.R.Wolff

Carved Indian head in Butternut by T.R.Wolff

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American Woodcarving School - Wayne, New Jersey 1976
Fairhaven College - Bellingham, Washington 1978 through 1981
Wooden Boat Foundation - Port Townsend, Washington 1978 thru 1982 and 1984
Center For Wooden Boats - Seattle, Washington 1982 and 1984
Wooden Boat Center - Marina del Rey, California 1982 through 1986
American Woodcarving School - Wayne, New Jersey 1986 through 1991
Craftswood - Hunt Valley, Maryland 1990 and 1991
University of New Mexico - Taos, New Mexico 1994 through 1999

Today I conduct workshops at my studio in Carson, New Mexico and on location. Email me for information about classes and workshops.

Image of Terry Wolff's woodcarving studio

I teach because I enjoy it. I also teach because not only do I enjoy carving but I believe that there are a lot of others out there who would enjoy carving as well.

When you are good at something, and you are not afraid of having competition, I believe that it is a good thing to share your knowledge with others who would like to know what you know.

As a professional carver, I have learned several things over the years that I can share with others who are interested in learning.

Teaching a skill to someone is very rewarding. I think anyone who has a gift or a talent and is fortunate enough to be able to share it with others through teaching is a very lucky person.

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Terry Wolff carving in his Woodcarving Studio

If you are interested in coming to New Mexico to learn from me, I will be happy to work with you on a date that would work for both of us. If you have some friends who would also like to hang out in New Mexico and learn some of my carving techniques that would be great. I like the energy when there is a small group of students working together.

I can also come to you if you can put together a small group who would like to do a carving workshop.

I teach using traditional hand tools and start with my one knife technique before moving on to other hand tools.

If you are interest in learning to carve or some additional carving techniques, just send me an email and tell me what interest you.

Woodcarving Instruction

By traditional woodcarving I mean the use of knives, gouges, and chisels. However, let me be clear, that as a professional, I will use whatever tool I can conjure up to help get rid of all the waste wood in the most efficient way possible. This leaves me more time to concentrate on the detail work. I strongly believe that it is all in those final cuts that make your piece what it is. I mean really, who cares how you got rid of all that unwanted wood or stone for that matter. But when it comes to the finish piece it is all in the detailing. Whether your work is done traditionally or with power assistance, its the detailing that matters. Chester Armstrong who is a world class chainsaw carver can whip out a piece in under 20 minutes. However, that is when he puts down his chain saw and

starts to do the detailing which can take days if not weeks. And the reason why he is a world class carver, is because of his finished pieces

I teach basic beginners to well seasoned carvers. As a professional, I have learned by trial and error what works and what works really well. So I am not adverse to using chain saws, grinders, sanders, flexible shaft tools, and torches. I generally like the tooled look of a piece carved with traditional hand tools. However, depending on the piece in question sometimes a finely sanded piece is just what is needed.

If you are interested in getting started in carving or you already are into carving but you just have an inkling to come you here to New Mexico and see what I can teach you, then send me an email and I will try to fit you into a class or workshop that will help you on your way.

As a profession, woodcarving may not be fore everyone... But as a rewarding past time my money is still on woodcarving.