My husband is an avid wood carver. His love for chiseling on a chunk of wood probably dates back to his younger years, sitting around a campfire and whittling. He made a living doing wood sculptures for restaurants, individual residences and lake homes. He was once commissioned to create a mermaid mast head for a restaurant here in Minneapolis. NSince today is “International Artist Day,” I thought about all the art he has created in his lifetime. It has been a gift, not only to those who own a piece of his art, but also for our family. Paul has given that creative part of himself to his children and grandchildren. His work has also inspired many poems from me.

It was somewhere around 1978 when a contest was held in our community by a local vendor of wooden art pieces. When he found out about the contest, Paul decided to introduce our three kids to the art of whittling. Each of them had a piece to start with. They chiseled away at the wood, engraving feathers and other features into the duck decoys. As they worked, I could see a bond growing between them as well. With each mark made into the wood, there would be conversation, laughter and learning for all of them. I sat along with them, with a small knife, pushing away wood from a stick to create my version of art. Unfortunately, the only thing I produced were blisters, invading slivers and calloused fingers. I did enjoy the family time, however. I believe each of our three children came away with an actual prize in that contest. They were thrilled with the results. Paul’s reward came in the form of earned respect, building a bond with his family and stirring their creative juices.

Each of us has talents and gifts, given to us by our Creator. Some are great musicians, singers, dancers, writers, fine artists, actors. Some have been gifted with great minds and intellect. Some have the talent to encourage others, inspire them and lead. Some don’t even know that a talent may be lying dormant within them. As we pay special attention to artists today, let’s remember that the One who created life from the start, still provides each of us with special gifts. It’s up to us to nurture and use those gifts to help others and bring joy to their lives.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until i set him free.” – Michelangelo

“Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.” – Leonardo da Vinci

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent van Gogh