By KARISSA MILLER
Special to The Times
Using a carving knife and a few other tools, Dean Wright can transform a piece of basswood into a work of art.
Wright, 88, of Bethlehem, has been carving wooden figures by hand and teaching wood carving for more than three decades.
“It’s my therapy. It keeps me busy,” he said. “I started out making birds and ducks, then I got away from that and moved onto other things.”
But what he’s most proud of is his 21-piece nativity scene that depicts Jesus’s humble birth, the message of Christmas and serves as a reminder of his faith.
“The Lord did it all. He is the one who gave me the gift. He deserves all the praise,” Wright said. “I started on it in 1990. It took me 35 years to make. I completed it last year.”
His nativity scene is on display inside the sanctuary of Bethlehem Baptist Church this month. It shows Jesus in a manager, Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise men, animals, a barn, a star, straw and other fine details.
“I felt led to add this to our décor this season,” said Bethlehem Baptist Pastor Dean Chambers. “It’s a labor of faith and love — to our church and to our Lord and Savior.”
“He whittled every one of these characters and did some by machine. He finished it last year, and won first place at Catawba Valley Wood Carving with this display,” he added.
Helen Wright, his wife of 68 years and a talented painter, said that over the past three years, their family has experienced a lot of ups and downs with navigating health challenges. Having his art on display has lifted the spirits of their family.
“I’m very proud of him,” Helen said. “It’s nice to know that someone is acknowledging Dean’s gifts.”
His daughter Sandie Price agreed.
“When I found out the church displayed it, I called the Pastor and told him that it meant a lot to us. He’s worked on it for years and years,” Price said.
We’ve given him honest feedback, she continued, good and bad, over the years (on the nativity).
“One thing that’s touched me is that while we, at times, saw the imperfections, the people who see it, only see the beauty and finished work,” Price said.
Charming Santa Claus collectibles
Wright has made dozens of figurines through time from frogs to boots to his specialty Santa Clauses.
Using cypress knees (protruding structures from the roots of cypress trees), Wright envisions Santa figurines in different poses and gestures. He then sands, hand carves and paints and antiques every piece.
Cypress knees have an unusual shape, which means that each piece of wood will dictate the design. The end result is a charming figure of Santa in an endearingly comical pose.
“Some Santas will show a belt, boots or toy bag. Every one of them is different,” Wright explained.
Wright is a charter member of the Catawba Valley Woodcarvers. The group started from humble beginning in the basement of his house.
He is passionate about inspiring the next generation of young woodcarvers.
Most of his carvings are sold at local galleries, including The Red Awning Gallery in Hudson and Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center, and at craft shows.
