Growing up in the Midwest, J.J. Lynes began carving as a Cub Scout anxious to create a sleek car that would fly down the track.  After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a k-12 teaching degree in art, he worked in advertising, publishing and education.  Twenty years ago he attended a local wood carving show, joined the club and won the Best of Show award a year later in the novice division with his walnut quiver and arrows creation.  

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          J.J.’s works out of his central Wisconsin shop and at client locations when onsite carving is required.  He sculpts and carves pieces in 3-d, high and low relief.  Drawings and/or clay models are often produced prior to beginning a work.  

 

          The natural characteristics of wood used can dictate the direction a piece might take.  Scouring woodlots, stream banks and shorelines are resources for J.J.'s carvings.  Much of his work is created using softwoods.  Hardwoods do require more time to complete but they offer some beautiful and unique grains.  One of a variety of finishes is applied to compliment the work.  

 

           After years of using his artistic talents in various mediums, he displays his carvings in juried fine art fairs where thousands of people attend looking to enjoy and purchase J.J. 's pieces for their own home, cabin or office.  In addition to the art fairs, his award winning work can be seen in several galleries, on Etsy and Ebay.  

 

           Oh, by the way, his Cub Scout Pine Wood Derby cars looked fantastic but were as slow as molasses.