Capital City Carvers

CARVING OPPORTUNITIES

April 26-28, 2024, Wards World Championship, Ocean City MD. Bird carvings both decorative and working shooting rigs.

July 18-20, 2024, Southeastern Woodcarving School, Wetumpka, AL, Steve Brown - Caricature, Joe Petranka - Hummingbird Carving, Willie Thornton - Beginning Woodcarving, Mary Harmon - Folk Art painting. Contact Judy Brooks at jmbrooksl852@hotmail.com

October 21-25, 2024, Renegade Woodcarvers Roundup, Lebanon TN. Gary Falin, Marvin Daniels, Rich Wetherbee, Kevin Applegate and Bruce Ankeny. www.sbrownwoodcarving.com

Other opportunities are listed on the Chip Chats website. www.ChipChats.org

A Guide to Studio Safety, May 2023, Jackson's Art In The Studio

Jackson's Art has monthly talks about anything art. In May of 2023, the topic of studio safety was presented by Michael Craine and Paul Cranfield. Most of us would not call our comer of the dining table our studio but safety is all important. First topic was toxicity. The focus is on paints or accessory materials but as carvers we use many of the same materials as painters, ceramicists, metal workers, in other words artists. Toxicity falls into two basic categories, chronic and acute. Chronic toxicity causes long term harm. Acute toxicity acts quickly, can be short term and not long lasting. Don't let it fool you. It can be deadly. Routes of entry are breathing in, ingestion, skin and eyes. Always check the labeling of the substance you use to determine the risks you may be exposed to. As we know, Linseed oil generates heat when exposed to air. I always place my rags in a pot of water and leave it outside.

When working with paints and solvents, protect the skin. That means hands, arms and face. Ventilate the studio with good air flow. If you are inside the house, be cognizant of others in the area. They are affected by the materials you are working with. VOCs of substances you are working with will flow to all areas. Sanding your work also is considered harmful. Most of the woods we work with are not considered toxic but breathing in the dust will be harmful. COPD is not a nice condition to deal with. And while you are at it, avoid eating and smoking in the area you work in. Masks and PPE may need to be used to protect yourself. If you need to, wear protective eyewear depending on how you use the material.

Most of us paint with acrylics. Remember, these paints are colors suspended in a plastic medium. They also contain biocides and fungicides. Do not be in the habit of licking your brush when painting. We ingest microplastics frequently. Try to not add to the plastic burden already in your body.

Be familiar with hazard symbols. Many companies are including a SDS form when finishes are purchased. If you can substitute a material that is less toxic for one that may affect you adversely, do it. Just because the label says non-toxic it is still toxic try to limit exposure. Try to not be casual about usage.

PS - Wash your hands after using any product.