Old World Santa
Description
Bill Apelian, the master craftsman and heart behind The Linden Wood Studio, skillfully transforms basswood and various types of found wood into cherished keepsakes. Using time-honored tools such as handsaws, lathes, and gouges, Bill brings his creative visions to life. His specialty is crafting Santas and Christmas ornaments, all beautifully designed in a timeless, Old-World style.
Bill inherited his great uncle Martin’s passion and talent for woodcarving. His artistic journey commenced when his daughter asked him to carve a cat. He widened his skill range to human figures, crafting a likeness of his grandfather and Merlin the Magician. He then began carving Father Christmas figures. Bill’s artistry is deeply influenced by his German and Armenian heritage, with his Old World Santas reflecting both his ancestral roots and his extensive research into St. Nicholas’s benevolent origins.
Bill is a self-taught woodcarver and turner. In addition to his handmade holiday delights, he also makes bowls, vases, and unique art forms. His preferred carving material is American Linden Wood, although he also works with a variety of other woods. Bill prides himself on repurposing discarded wood, turning chair slats and legs into Christmas ornaments and nutcracker figurines, and giving fallen trees new life as bowls or vases. Before starting any project, he spends time contemplating the wood, eager to reveal its inherent potential through carving or turning.
Bill’s creative spirit shines through in every piece he crafts. With his tools in hand and imagination running wild, he expertly carves and turns the wood, creating unique pieces with an Old-World charm that collectors adore. Each piece is completely unique, carrying its own signature, date, and sometimes even a name. He even shares a heartfelt, albeit bittersweet, goodbye with each Father Christmas piece before it embarks on its new journey.
Please Note: Given its higher value, this sculpture necessitates professional packing by UPS. This guarantees that any potential damage during transportation will not be disputed by UPS and will be comprehensively covered under claims.
- Artist: Bill Apelian
- American-made in Greenville, SC
- One-of-a-kind hand-carved Santa
- Dimensions: 16″ H x 7″ W x 6.5″ D
- Weight: 4+ pounds
$1,800.00
1 in stock
