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- maura macaluso
Sculpture/Expert Profile
Expertise
I AM NOT AN APPRAISER and will reject most questions of this sort.....I am am passionate woodcarver and historian, I place no weight on monetary value. I can answer most questions, regarding, wood sculpture, wood carving, carving tools and accessories and different types of woods. I am not an appraiser of carvings nor an antique dealer. Most carvings are unsigned and otherwise anonymous and most carvers were independent artists and craftsmen of whom no records were kept. It is usually not possible to tell you who carved it, where it was carved or how much it is worth.
Experience in the area
I do full design work, custom carving, restoration, fabrication, repair and refinishing. I can take a piece of raw wood and turn it into a work of art and I can help you do the same. I am "the" carving instructor for the new york city parks dept. I am heavily involved in carving on the internet and belong to many, many mail lists which are quite active. I am also an international promoter of woodcarving and am affiliated with many master carvers, notably nora hall, originally from holland, now in the U.S. and kalina pavlova, a bulgarian master carver. I routinely communicate with the top names in professional woodcarving nationally and internationally.
Organizations
the national association of woodcarvers. the woodcarvers of queens NY, the staten island woodcarvers. the northeast woodcarving association. the world wide carving internet list
Publications
chip chats-the national magazine of woodcarving. also at www.carvinginnyc.com
Education/Credentials
Self taught artist and sculptor, 40 years of drawing and painting as a hobby, 10 years of serious woodsculpting. I have a website and have written a 300 pg book on carving. I have published online tutorials and pictorial projects.
Awards and Honors
many first place awards
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Woodcarving is one of the oldest crafts known to man. Man has practiced woodcarving since the dawn of the age of reason.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samantha | 04/06/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks! I thought it was made out ..... |
| hank | 03/01/11 | 7 | 9 | 10 | I am very very thankful for the ..... |
| Casey | 02/25/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Mcafui Kommy | 02/16/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Melissa | 08/18/10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you Maura. I highly recommend you ..... |
Recent Answers from maura macaluso
2012-04-20 Wood carving:
Dear Jo Beth, In order to do this you must have your brothers full cooperation and commitment. It can be done successfully if done properly. It is simply my opinion that a lot of the carvers who
2012-04-06 Hawaii wood carved sculpture:
Hi Samantha, At first glance, this is a tourist item, usually not worth much. They are made cheaply just to make a quick buck for the artist as is usually the case in the Island tourist trades. I cant
2012-03-08 wood carving:
Hi Margaret, sorry for the delay, was out of town working on a carving this weekend. I do believe what you have there is a Alois Lang carving. Looks like his magnificent work. Signature sounds good too
2011-02-28 vanguard studios inc 1969:
Hi Hank, I am not an appraiser but generally art is worth what you are willing to pay for it. I can't put a monetary value on it because auction houses guard their selling prices, but having researched
2011-02-24 Old wood carved figure:
hi Casey, I am not an appraiser, but rather a woodcarving instructor and accomplished woodcarver, However, I do take a look when folks send me photos of carvings. Sometimes I can tell them something,
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