Interview

Nov 15

Nate Elarton

Nate Elarton is a wood sculptor and woodcarver from southern Michigan. He has been carving and creating seriously for the last 10 years. He has been married for 36 years and has 3 grown and married children. He and Wendy have lived in Temperance, MI for 27 years where they have started and pastor Compelled Church. Nate carves at his private studio at his residence. He has taught woodcarving and leads a small woodcarving group in the community. Nate continues to carve and looks forward to creating wood sculptures for many years.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I am a pastor full-time, and in a season of church growth and stress a friend introduced me to woodcarving. I had a slow start but as my children went to school and we became empty nesters I have found time to pursue this incredible art. I have taken lessons, read books, and watched videos to learn to carve. Woodcarving has provided me with a creative outlet and also a place of peace from the stress of my job and life. The peace I feel when I create is euphoric and satisfying. I have met incredible people, created art I had no idea I could, and learned and continue to learn new skills. I have been able to teach and inspire other carvers. This form of art has also helped me be more creative in my public speaking and writing. Woodsculpting has been a gift to my life and I could not imagine life without art.”

What inspires you?

“The challenge of going to the next step inspires me. Enjoying the moment as a project is being revealed and taking shape is so inspiring. Other great artists and wood sculptors encourage me and spur me on to continue to push forward to learn and grow more. Being alone, in my shop, with music, the smells, the sounds of carving, is inspirational.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“I love to carve faces, fantasy themes, and fun projects. I try to capture emotion in my realistic faces. The underlying message in my work is emotion. I have carved from my heart when I am emotional, and that emotion is reflected in the piece. I also love to carve items that I know someone would love. A Santa, a gnome, a saint, have all been gifts that have brought joy to someone. It is a blessing to give a meaningful gift to someone. I want to expand my carving to wildlife that is realistic and beautiful.”

“The underlying message in my work is emotion. I have carved from my heart when I am emotional, and that emotion is reflected in the piece.”

How would you describe your work?

“My work is unique as every piece of art is a "one of a kind." There is not another like it in the whole world. It is practical, and it connects to the person who receives it, whether a gift or a purchase; they have an emotional connection to the piece and desire to have it. My work is descriptive, bold, and mysterious in a way as to merit a second look, a stare, a wonder. This takes planning and obviously some creativity, with lighting, shadows, and depth.”

Which artists influence you most?

“My greatest influencer is the man who gave me my first lessons and introduced me to carving, the late Marty Eddinger. . He was not just a teacher but an encourager. I received the same from Alec LaCasse, the great young wood sculptor from Rochester, MI. Every moment with him as been incredibly inspiring and educational. I have learned at a distance from Vic Hood, and Jeff Phares. These men have great resources. My other influencer has been my daughter, an artist, photographer, and potter herself. She has encouraged me with excitement as well as helped me with promo, website, photos and support. She always asks me, is interested, and pushes me forward. My wife and the whole family really encourage my art.”

What is your creative process like?

“I take time to think; maybe I will sketch out an idea. I am not a great artist in sketching. I then look for the wood I will use, thinking of the grain, and the size, as well as what the end finish may look life. I need the shop clean, some great incense burning, some inspiring music playing and i begin to work on roughing it out, then refining, then detailing. I never finish a piece in one session, but multiple sessions. Every time I get fresh eyes on it after a break I can see mistakes or areas to improve. Looking at other people's art can also get me thinking creatively. I also don't like feeling rushed. I need some time in the shop to really feel the relaxing peace that is critical to me for the creative process to keep moving.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Art must have a place in our society and also in education. Children and youth need art. It is not only therapeutic but it also enhances other areas of life. The benefits of creating something with your heart and hands, overflow to our other vocations, relationships, and personal peace and sense of accomplishment. I worry that art and our young people will not know their potential as screens are taking the place of canvasses, paper, wood, and clay. We must not relegate the next generation to video games, cell phones, social media, and streaming while art is abandoned.”