I grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, where I have been surrounded by the wonders of nature.  I have been painting ever since I can remember and started carving about three years ago when I made a trip to Tennessee and saw a man carving a fireplace mantel.  I was hooked.  I'm self-taught by reading any book I can find on carving and asking carvers questions. Growing up I was blessed with two great men in my life, my grand-daddys.

Grand-daddy Friel worked for the forest service and loved to hunt and fish.  I have very fond memories of camping trips with him, where he taught me to fish using just  a stick and piece of string.  Through his love of nature he taught me to appreciate the wonderful gift of nature that God shares with us.

Grand-daddy Hammons was a Bluegrass artist and craftsmen who made dulcimers and banjos to take to craft fairs and sell.  I spent many hours playing in his workshop as he worked.  I can sill remember him saying to me as he worked , any job worth doing is worth doing right.  I loved the wonderful smell of the wood and the sawdust under the table saw, and I would play for hours daydreaming and being in awe of the rainbow of colors that came from wood.

So although I may never be a great fishermen or play a banjo, I was truly blessed  and inspired to have these wonderful men in my life.  Because of their love and encouragement, I have followed my own "Sawdust Dreams"

Thank you for taking time to visit.  I hope you found something that made you smile and know that it was made just for you. 

Lots of Love and God Bless
Cleva