Marcia Berkall Art

An Adult Education drawing class, a love of wood, a carving demonstration, E. J. Tangerman and Henry Moore library books, and a family history of love for the arts. Those are the things that led to my obsession with wood carving. As owner of Whittlins ‘n Wood – Wood Carving and Wood Sculpture for over 20 years, I have witnessed my own transformation from “only wanting to carve Santas” to welcoming the variety and challenges of commission work. “Once you experience the growth that results from stepping outside of your comfort zone, each new challenge met makes carving even more exciting…and motivating!”

My “Carving From the Heart” series of articles were featured in Carving Magazine. Incorporating this philosophy into my teaching allows me to encourage students to carve “from the heart”, reflecting their own personalities and visions, always seeking to fiind the balance between insisting on the use of proper techniques and allowing the students the freedom to experiment and find their own artistic expression.

Recently it has been a love for the arts, along with support from family and friends, that pulled me through some trying times. Finding it difficult during this time to focus only on carving, I delved into other forms of art and expression, particularly encaustic and pastel painting. Art days with good friends are therapeutic! These media have now been added to my repertoire. My carvings and other work can be found in galleries and private collections across the country and beyond.