Richard Phillips is well known to the residents of Plainview, where he serves as vice mayor and alderman. What is not as well known is that when he is not working for the city and his constituents, he spends his spare time with his favorite hobby: woodcarving.
“Some people mistakenly call what I do whittling. That is something your Grandpa did with his pocket knife and a piece of cedar, making shavings while sitting on the front porch,” said Phillips. “What I do is a lot more intense and makes use of an array of gouges, V-tools, and special knives. In both cases it is relaxing, but my finished piece can make a nice gift.”
Phillips says that although he has been woodcarving for several years, he is nowhere near the caliber of the several teachers whose classes he attended to learn this art form. He is also a member of clubs that help promote the woodcarving craft.
“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, my clubs have ceased to meet in person and have been doing virtual meetings online,” said Phillips. “The instructor classes have also moved to teaching online. This is not as good as carving in person, but it is the best alternative for now.”
As a rule, Phillips does not promote his art for sale, but will occasionally create a piece on commission.
“One does not get rich selling woodcarvings. It is hard to put a price on a handmade carving, as they are one-of-a-kind unique pieces of art.”
Phillips has won a few ribbons with his carvings, but says it is always a blue ribbon when he sees the happy faces of those he has gifted with a carving.
He says woodcarving can be addictive, and his wife Glenda dabbles in it as well.
“Where I mainly do caricatures, she specializes in chip carving along with pyrography (wood burning).”
For more information on woodcarving, joining a club to learn woodcarving, getting in touch with Phillips about creating a commission piece, or if you have any questions or concerns about the city of Plainview, contact Phillips at 865-766-7272.