Pat Sherman, Carving Out His Place in OC

Being a resident of Pine Bush, it seemed only fitting that I kick off OC LOOK, with a few posts from my neck of the woods (no pun intended). Today's post features Pat Sherman, a local artisan from Pine Bush, who specializes in carving wood sculptures. His signature work can be seen throughout the community as it enhances many commercial establishments, houses of worship and private homes.  Pat learned his craft from an elder member of our town, known lovingly as “Speed”. It was Speed who first taught Pat how to whittle, which ignited his desire to create wood sculptures. When Speed passed on, armed with Speed's tools, Pat took the craft to new heights, creating a unique range of small and large scale works. Pat's work not only enriches the community artistically, it also keeps a small part of Speed with us.  In a time of fast moving trends, technology and automation, it's refreshing to see a hand crafted art be passed down and kept alive for future generations to come.  

I recently caught up with Pat at his workshop, to see what he's been working on.  Here are some of his newest pieces which I'm sure you'll find captivating.



Pat just put the finishing touches on this carving of a Native American.

The Native American carving stands over 8 feet tall

The carving below is a work in progress that is being commissioned by a Trappist Monk in Ohio.  He contacted Pat to create this actual likeness carving, to honor a fellow monk who is 102 years old.

Actual likeness of a 102 year old Trappist Monk

Though most of Pat's work finds a home in Orange County, when completed, this carving will be heading to Ohio where it will be displayed at a monastery.

The Virgin Mary is another piece that Pat is currently working on.  In the early stages of this carving, sap began secreting from the Virgin Mary's eye, as if she was crying.

The Virgin Mary carving in its early stages secreting sap from its eye.

Though it is a normal occurrence for sap to secrete from wood, it is intriguing that it did so in that particular spot.  

If you would like to see more of Pat's work or you are interested in commissioning a carving, he can be contacted here for further details.