From a very early age (I was Mary Van Abbema then), I have always been interested in creating and building - no matter what the material. When I discovered wood carving, a world opened up of design, challenge and beauty that I never imagined. It became a passion from the first cut in wood, and nearly 15 years later, I continue to grow, learn and love my craft. I endeavor to keep the art of traditional hand-carving alive, with minimal use of electric tools. Most of my wood carvings are traditional furniture, antique reproductions or architectural details.

About 10 years into my wood carving, I ventured into stone carving. The gentle, methodical chipping brings me into other worlds, as shapes slowly emerge from the stone. Nearly all of my stone sculptures are created by what is called "direct stone carving". I simply start carving into a piece of stone without having created a clay model or even a drawing. I have an idea, and start chipping. It is very exciting to see what emerges - it surprises me most times.

Education & Experience:

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Studied Fine Arts - Focus on Ceramics

Artistic Woodcarving Studio, Minneapolis, MN
Studied wood carving with master carver Konstantinos Papadakis

Woodcarving Studio of Theofilos Andravidiotis, Athens, Greece
Studied wood carving with several Greek master carvers

City and Guilds Art College, London, England
Studied classical European style wood carving

Steve Slack Picture Framing, London, England
Worked as a custom picture frame carver

Carving Workshop, Cambridge, England
Worked as a professional wood carver

Stone World, Pasir Gudang, Malaysia
Worked as a professional wood and stone carver

Charleston Wood & Stone Carving, Charleston, SC
Self-employed as a professional wood and stone carver

Woodcraft Supply, Charleston, SC (www.woodcraftsupply.com)
Teacher of wood carving

I am so grateful for the daily love and encouragement of my husband, Stephen. And as I look back at the various paths that brought me to where I am today, I see the hand of God in every opportunity that came my way. The Lord has given me a gift of carving and I will honor Him in every piece I carve.

Published articles and TV interviews
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Last modified: July 17, 2007