Woodcarver Bob Marek has been carving for over 60 years and teaching carving in Pinellas County for over 25 years and has taught workshops at a wide variety of city and county facilities.

 Wood Comes alive with every scraped shaving and twist of Bob Marek's hands.

"Right now, I'm starting to get the shape of the nose in," he says while holding a large cypress knee that is being transformed into a Santa.

Marek's been carving since he was a child. He learned the skill from his  grandfather. Since he was nine years old he " slept underneath a work bench, swept the floor, laid the tools out."

Bob Marek has brought Basswood and butternut, cypress and cedar to life. In fact Marek says that sometimes, the wood itself determines its destiny. "I'm kind of like the Indians. The wood has a spirit and, sometimes, it tells you what you want to do."

Marek states that each peice he creates is unique as he doesn't like to repeat designs. Even his multiple cypress knee Santas have their own personality and are one of a kind.

Check out the Largo's Central Park and spot the tree that has 21 images! A lot of people may have seen Marek's work and not even realized it.

Bob Marek keeps the art of wood carving alive and interesting. These days Marek teaches nine classes a week and not always to senior citizens. "I really enjoy getting the kids involved in it," says Marek.

 "It's rewarding; creativity is a great thing." says Marek. And he intends to keep carving, creating and bringing wood to life as long as there is wood and a will.

To find out more about Marek's wood carving classes you can call 727 -726-7725.