Carving My Own Lane

I first got into woodworking my senior year of high school. I was technically enrolled in metal shop, but I became instantly drawn to the woodshop next door. My teacher, Mr. Toliver, noticed my curiosity and trusted me to spend time in the shop. He became my first woodworking mentor. In that shop, I remember feeling endless creative possibilities. My first real taste of creative freedom, even if I didn’t recognize it at the time.

After graduating high school in 2008, life took me in other directions, and woodworking became an afterthought. Then in 2020, when the world shut down, I decided to stay busy by fixing my parents’ damaged wooden gate. I watched a few videos, borrowed some tools, and before I knew it, that same love for woodworking came rushing back. From there, I started building dog houses, playhouses, and fences. Woodworking became my outlet. The tools became my paintbrushes.

In the summer of 2021, while working on a project, I stumbled upon a wood plank with knots that resembled an ostrich. Being playful, I used my scroll saw to cut out a suit, tie, and glasses, placing them over the knots to bring the character to life. I named the creation Gerald from Corporate and shared it online, where it received an outpouring of positive reactions. Seeing how much joy my art brought to others motivated me to keep it going.  Creating stories from wood knots became the creative freedom I had been searching for all along.

Since then, I’ve spent the last few years developing my art — blending humor, storytelling, and craftsmanship. My dream is to continue to exhibit my work and watch all my pieces come together and come to life.

For exhibition opportunities, press-related inquiries, or general questions feel free to reach me at mannyswoodart@gmail.com