A chip off the old block

OTTAWA - Wood chips were flying in a contained area as Andy Kerns used his chain saw to carve at the Putnam County Fair.

"I started doing it because someone told me I couldn't," said the West Virginia wood carver. He displayed his work and skills the entire week of the Putnam County Fair. "I've been doing it now for 13 years."

Kerns said he usually does 22 shows a year. "I usually do it during six months of the year when the weather is warm," he said.

Keeping the saw sharp is the most important part of woodcarving according to Kerns. "I've been using the same chain saw since the start," he said. "I take care of it and keep it sharpened and it keeps doing good work."

Before he starts to carve Kern said he just "sees the image" he wants in his mind and starts carving the wood into that shape.

"I really don't have any favorites I've done," he admitted. "I like them all." Kerns taught himself to carve and does no have a preference in woods. I've used all different kinds," he said.

After carving, Kern may enhance the carving by burning some areas with a torch. He then seals the carving with a water seal such as linseed oil.

"Some projects take 30 minutes to complete and some may take 60 hours," he said.

He usually travels around West Virginia doing shows, but has been doing shows in Ohio for the past four years.

"I love to carve," he said. "That's all I can say.