Jim the Wood Carver
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Have you noticed the beautiful carvings along the train tracks at Berwick and West Foster?
Jim, in his 80’s, has been carving since he was a child. He loves wood! He grew up in Chelsea and has always lived in the area. He now resides at the Gould Retirement Home. He has a son who is a Green Beret.
During the warm weather he takes his shopping cart full of supplies and carves at his “office” by the railroad tracks often joined by friends. The train conductors often beep or waive as they pass by. When it gets cold or rainy, the retirement home allocated a space in the dining room to continue his craft.
Jim’s inspiration comes from his imagination and nature. He just completed an osprey carving. The talons were hard because they were sharp and gouged him as evident by the marks on his arms. He gets his wood from Lowes. He stacks the wood with glue and dowels and then shapes the piece.
All his carvings are for sale.
He is happy to speak with anyone walking by and especially loves to show his skill to children. You never know what a chance encounter may spark in a child.
So if you are in the area stop by for a chat and admire his skill.
