By Collette Hayes
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| Craftsman Gerald Beaulieu of Windham won five different ribbons for his scrap wood and high-relief carvings at the 2021 Cumberland County Fair. He is striving to be recognized as a master woodcarver. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
A retired produce inspector for the Maine Department of Agriculture in Aroostook County, Beaulieu moved to Windham four years ago to be closer to his family and grandchildren.
His story in becoming a woodworking craftsman is
filled with dedication and passion to the art of woodcarving. His woodworking
journey began when he was working in construction with his father and his
brother who were both carpenters.
Beaulieu said that his first experiences with
wood, while working in construction, motivated him to take a woodcarving class
from a friend who was teaching the craft in the town of Limestone.
His interest grew further while serving as a scout
leader, and he began to carve neckerchief slides for scouts as an incentive for
rank advancement. Beaulieu later joined the Maine Woodcarvers Association as
well as the Poland Spring Carvers, whom he credits as supporters who helped him
to perfect his craft.
Carving and building woodworking projects now for
more than 50 years, Beaulieu’s ultimate goal is to become a master carver and
he is hoping to accomplish that in the next few years.
According to Beaulieu, the way to becoming a master carver is somewhat of a
long and difficult road to travel.
“You start out as a carver,” he said. “From there, you move to a novice, intermediate, open class, then master carver. In order to advance from one level to another, you have to win woodcarving awards. Right now, I’m at an open-class level. To move to the next level of master carver, I need to win two best- of-show ribbons.”
Depending on the details involved in the carving project, it can take him many hours just to complete one single woodcarving project. Beaulieu just received a first-place ribbon at the Cumberland County Fair for a high-relief carving that required more than 200 hours of carving time for him.
Beaulieu donates his woodworking talent and time to the community of Windham. During a severe windstorm, the cupola on St. Ann’s Episcopal church was damaged and Beaulieu restored the copper steeple as well as rebuilding and replacing the church’s cupola.
To keep himself busy during the during the summer months, Beaulieu can be found every Saturday at the Windham Farmers’ Market selling his unique woodworking projects. Most of what he sells at the market are projects that he creates, but he says he also does do some commission work when requested.
“Everything I use to carve with is recycled material,” Beaulieu said. “I don’t like throwing stuff away.” I save wood scraps to create scenes. I make canes, deacon benches, tables, birdhouses, flowerboxes, bookcases and sell them at the Windham Farmers’ Market. Right now, I’m working on a salad platter and tongs for a customer at the market.”
The projects in Beaulieu’s woodworking shop reflect the four traits of a great woodcarver, he said. Those traits are patience, attention to detail, persistence, and passion.
Patience is reflected in the technical skill that
he has developed over many years, Beaulieu said.
Most projects he works on require more than 60
hours of skilled artistic focus. He pays attention to detail resulting in
beautifully carved projects and some of his best carvings have required years
of persistence to completion.
His passion and enthusiasm for the craft has
motivated Beaulieu to create and become a dedicated woodcarving craftsman. <
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