Interview: Stephen Myhre talks about Wood Carving: Tools, techniques & concepts

Stephen Myhre is a renowned artist who has been carving in wood, jade, bone and other materials since the 1970s. After many years living overseas and absorbing a range of Pacific, European and Asian influences, he now has his studio in Paraparaumu Beach. Stephen talks to NZ Booklovers.

Tell us a little about Wood Carving: Tools, techniques & concepts.

This how-to guide covers every aspect of wood carving from selecting the right wood to understanding patterns and achieving the perfect finish. The kaupapa (purpose) of this new book is to meet the need for a coherent description of how to prepare, maintain and use a set of wood-carving tools to produce competent, good-quality work.

What inspired you to write this book?

I think that when you have knowledge and skill there is an obligation to teach. The book is my way of fulfilling that obligation. The book hardens the information making it more durable. Plus, putting the information in this form helps it to reach out to many more people than if I taught full-time. At my age, I hope that the information will be there after I have gone. Reaching out over time is inspiring.

What research was involved?

My life experience in both working as a sculptor and carver and travelling all over the world informed the material for this book.  This is particularly evident in the section on The Pacific Influence.  I have done quite a bit of work with the camera in the past, and that skill was very helpful in the illustrations in the book. Some photographs also came from my collection. I have been fascinated by museums and the many forms of non-Western art, and have been lucky that I have had the chance to visit many of the world's famous museums and art galleries, which have strongly influenced my work.

Is this a guide for beginners or more experienced carvers, or a book for all?

I hope this book offers something for everyone.  An interesting read with photographs for people who are just generally interested.  New wood carvers should find practical advice to help them set up and start.  For the more experienced carvers I hope there is something additional for them to add to their own practice.

What was your routine or process when writing this book?

I have spent some years making notes on Wood Carving and my experiences.   After the death of my son Jacob in 2021, I decided that I wanted to share my knowledge to honour him, and so once Oratia offered to publish this book, I structured the material, working about 4 hours a day over several months. I also selected photographs from my collection and reshot others.  I particularly wanted to include a photographic essay on how to approach a large wood carving project and selected the waka huia as I have a particular passion for the canoe form as well.  With the help of Mike Bradstock, as editor, the first draft became more structured, and it was eventually passed to the publishers.

What did you enjoy the most about creating Wood Carving: Tools, techniques & concepts?

I enjoyed the process of formalising my thoughts on carving, as a lot of my woodworking practice was done with no thought of illustrating the way I did it, fairly informal, just cutting as I go.

What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?

The celebration will come once we have the launch.  That will be with my wife Mary-Anne, fellow artists and friends.   It is so exciting to hold the final product – something surreal about that.

What is the favorite book you have read so far this year and why?

I am two-thirds of the way through the biography of Tony Fomison, which has strongly caught my attention as I got to know him in the last part of his life. Reading about the way he developed, and became the painter he was, is illuminating to say the least. A very interesting description of the creative process.

What’s next on the agenda for you?

I inherited my hands from a long line of jewellers/goldsmiths/watchmakers, along with the deep desire to make things. The carving I do is a development of that desire. I am always creating something – whether it be wood, stone , bone or shell. The workshop is my happy place.  I have been heard mumbling that I may write something on stone – I’m not sure what my wife thinks of that!  I have plans for some major pieces that have been waiting for the right time to start.

Oratia Books