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John R. Garton picked up a carving
tool in September 1987 to make his son a hobby horse. Nearly two decades
and hundreds of wooden animals later he still enjoys watching his
creations emerge from the wood. Dr. Garton, a graduate of Ohio State
College of Veterinary Medicine, puts his knowledge of anatomy to use
making his carvings look realistic.
Garton carves his original creations
from West Virginia basswood, pine, and walnut. Two inch thick
boards are sawed into shapes and glued together to form a block.
Then the carving begins. Dr. Garton has no artistic or woodworking
training, just a natural talent that guides his electrical carving tools
through the wood. In addition, his ready sense of humor is evident in
many of his pieces.
Garton Originals produces creative
and functional pieces with the practical experience and wildlife
observation of Joe D. Adkins. The main art critic is John's son
Handley who is now helping with the painting. Inspired by the natural
beauty of the mountains surrounding the shop, Handley, Joe and John are
in their "wildlife period." Bears, elk, deer and skunks are
literally coming out of the woodwork!
Joe and John with their life size bear gun cabinet. Joe is the self proclaimed "hillbilly engineer" of the organization Handley Garton, John's son, painting the final details on a hound dog carving. John, Joe and Handley paint all of the pieces themselves.
Joe and John with their life size bear gun cabinet.
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