Tom Wolfe ( 1937 –  2020) 

Tom began woodcarving at the age of 12. He has become one of America’s leading contemporary wood carvers with nearly 55 books in print with Schiffer Publications. Tom resided in Spruce Pine, NC and taught classes several times a year at his workshop on Grandfather Mountain, as well as at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown NC. Tom had also taught classes in New Jersey, Tennessee, and Canada.

Tom was a lifetime member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, having been awarded this distinction in 2006, and was demonstrating and selling his original wood carvings at many of the Guild’s shops as well as attended the July and October Southern Highland Craft Guild shows held in Asheville, NC.

Tom’s main area of artistic exploration was what is referred to as Caricature Carving. He was a member of the Caricature Carvers of America (the CCA), an association of like-minded Artists who work to further the craft and the public’s greater appreciation and understanding of it.

Tom has helped thousands of people develop their skills. His approach to teaching through his books is straightforward. He leads the reader, step-by-step, through the carving process. His books have been well received from the newest learner to the most seasoned veteran, because of the simple methods and obvious enjoyment Tom brought to his art.

With the help of Tom’s son Matt Wolfe, we are now able to share Tom’s woodcarving videos on the Woodcarving Academy.