The lines of a knuckle are peculiar but purposeful. Known as palmar creases, they allow the skin to flex as fingers bend — an important function when using hands for tasks like wood …
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The lines of a knuckle are peculiar but purposeful. Known as palmar creases, they allow the skin to flex as fingers bend — an important function when using hands for tasks like wood carving.
William Lawton, who made his start in the furniture industry, is no stranger to the intricacies of the hand and how it functions as a useful part of the body when using a chisel to carve wood. As the skill of wood carving declines in the United States, exhibits like the one Lawton has on display at the Westport Free Public Library become timely. The art of using the hand to do the work becomes a valuable marker of history — the hand comes to life in the display.
Lawton’s hand is actually on display at the exhibit. The lines of his knuckles can be touched and the creases can be felt, as they are etched into a wooden carving that replicates his actual hand. This happens to be the only carving that Lawton will not part with at the exhibit.
“I carved that for my wife for her birthday a few years ago,” Lawton explained. “I walked outside to one of my carving areas, and there was a leaf on the table where I was carving. I went to wipe it off and thought, ‘Well, maybe this could make a good birthday present for my wife, and it won’t cost a thing,’ ” he added, laughing.
Carving into retirement
Now retired, Lawton, who has been carving for nearly 60 years, says he carves more often in his free time and is constantly thinking of new projects. “Now that I’m totally retired, I have more time to mess around and try different things.” Each carving in the exhibit has a story behind it. Some were inspired by a picture Lawton saw in a magazine. Some were inspired by his late wife.
One of the more unique pieces in the exhibit was inspired by a simple brass pin. After his wife passed away, he was going through her things, trying to get everything organized, when he came across an odd piece of jewelry. Lawton said, “She always wore expensive jewelry, so I was shocked when I found this little cheap brass pin that was shaped like a dragon.” He took it to an office supply store, had them enlarge it, and then, he carved it. It took about three months to complete. Looking up at the wood carving, shaking his head in disbelief, he said, “That came from a piece of jewelry that’s probably worth 50 cents.”
Opening an exhibit to the public was something Lawton’s friends inspired him to do. “I have two friends who helped me set this up,” he said. “They were the ones who really pushed me to do this. They think it’s something people should see.”
Lawton explained that wood working is becoming something of the past, at least in the United Sates. He emphasized that even the tools needed for the work cannot easily be found here. “Most of the tools that you have to buy come out of Europe,” He stated. Without revitalization, wood carving as an art may soon become a relic of the past.
The display will be at the library through the end of January, and a small reception with Lawton for family, friends, and the public will be held on Jan. 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.