Janet Cordell | Wood Carver Exhibit

Artist Statement:

I cannot remember a time when woodcarving and art were not central factors in my life, or did not permeate every house I  lived in. I have always been heavily involved with woodcarving and have never worked in any other field than art. I grew up deep in the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks, as the second daughter of the Denton family of woodcarvers, not intending to be a woodcarver, or indeed an artist in any field.  In those days, I still thought there was a job description for raising horses.  However, as I grew up,  I began to understand the value and originality of woodcarving as an art form, and to appreciate the unique direction from which my family approached this form of sculpture.   I hope that my style clearly reflects my upbringing in the woods and close to nature, and combines it with a love of classical art.

I have been carving professionally for forty eight years, and have been teaching woodcarving and sculpture since 1986.  In 1994 I opened my own school of wood sculpture.  The Ozark Mountain School of Sculpture is currently housed in a log cabin on the family property, where the quiet, undisturbed atmosphere and close proximity to nature foster creativity. Students at all levels of sculpture are welcome in the classes.

AWARDS:

~Recognized by the state of Arkansas as a Master Artisan, and included in their apprenticeship program for the heritage
arts.

~Twice a nominee for Arkansas’ Living Treasure Award.

~Featured in magazines, newspapers, and television.

~Judged many woodcarving shows, including the International Woodcarvers’ Congress.

~Won hundreds of ribbons and awards.

~Featured with my family in venues such as National Geographic Magazine, television documentaries, and other shows.